TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
VLAS060316A350DP

VLAS060316A350DP

Elco (AVX)

LOW CLAMP AUTOMOTIVE SERIES VAR

0

VCAS060314A300DP

VCAS060314A300DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 18.5V 30A 0603

0

VG120616N390DP

VG120616N390DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 24.5V 300A 1206

0

VC120603A100DP

VC120603A100DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 5V 40A 1206

1930

VCAS08LC18A500DP

VCAS08LC18A500DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 30A 0805

547

VGAS121030H620DP

VGAS121030H620DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 41V 280A 1210

0

VG121048H101DP

VG121048H101DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 62V 250A 1210

0

VC120665M131DP

VC120665M131DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 82V 150A 1206

10831

VJ15PA0160KBA

VJ15PA0160KBA

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 2220

5898

VGAS120618D400DP

VGAS120618D400DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 25.5V 150A 1206

0

VC120656F111RP

VC120656F111RP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 68V 100A 1206

80002000

VC121026H560RP

VC121026H560RP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 34.5V 300A 1210

2000

VCAS06AP302R0LAT1A

VCAS06AP302R0LAT1A

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 175V 2A 0603

3532

VGAH181216P390DP

VGAH181216P390DP

Elco (AVX)

HIGH TEMPERATURE +150C AUTOMOTIV

7965

VC080514A300RP

VC080514A300RP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 18.5V 40A 0805

4000

VCAS080512A250DP

VCAS080512A250DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 16V 40A 0805

47

VJ13MC0300KBA

VJ13MC0300KBA

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 39V 220A 1210

8890

VC120630D650DP

VC120630D650DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 41V 120A 1206

3360

VC121030G620RP

VC121030G620RP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 41V 220A 1210

0

VGAS181226P570DP

VGAS181226P570DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 35V 600A 1812

0

TVS - Varistors, MOVs

1. Overview

Transient Voltage Suppressors (TVS), Varistors, and Metal Oxide Varistors (MOVs) are critical components for protecting electronic circuits from voltage spikes and electrostatic discharge (ESD). These devices clamp excessive voltage to safe levels, preventing damage to sensitive components. TVS diodes are semiconductor-based solutions with fast response times, while Varistors (including MOVs) use nonlinear resistive materials to absorb energy. Their importance spans industries like telecommunications, automotive, and consumer electronics, ensuring reliability in environments exposed to electrical surges.

2. Main Types and Functional Classification

TypeFunctional CharacteristicsApplication Examples
TVS DiodesUnidirectional/bidirectional clamping, sub-nanosecond response time, low leakage currentCommunication interfaces (USB, HDMI), microcontrollers, power supplies
Zinc Oxide VaristorsHigh energy absorption, voltage-dependent resistance, aging characteristicsPower line protection, industrial motor drives, surge protection strips
MOVsSpecialized varistors with metal oxide ceramics, optimized for AC/DC applicationsAppliances, LED lighting, renewable energy systems

3. Structure and Composition

TVS diodes employ a PN junction semiconductor structure with doping profiles optimized for breakdown characteristics. Varistors consist of polycrystalline ceramic materials (typically zinc oxide grains with additives) sandwiched between metal electrodes, encapsulated in epoxy or molded housings. MOVs use similar materials to varistors but with enhanced grain boundary engineering for improved voltage clamping. All devices incorporate termination coatings (e.g., silver, tin) for PCB mounting compatibility.

4. Key Technical Parameters

ParameterDescriptionImportance
Clamping Voltage (VCLAMP)Voltage level during surge conductionDetermines protection level for downstream components
Response TimeTime to transition from blocking to clamping modeTVS: 0.5-10 ns; MOVs: 10-50 ns
Energy Absorption (WADM)Maximum surge energy handling capabilityMeasured in joules (J), critical for industrial applications
Leakage CurrentOff-state current at rated voltageImpacts power efficiency, typically <100 A

5. Application Fields

Key industries include:

  • Consumer Electronics: Smartphone charging circuits, TV power supplies
  • Industrial Automation: PLCs, motor drives, sensor interfaces
  • Automotive: ECU protection, CAN bus interfaces, battery management systems
  • Renewable Energy: Solar inverters, wind turbine controllers

Case Study: MOVs in smart meters provide 10kA surge protection against grid transients.

6. Leading Manufacturers and Products

ManufacturerRepresentative ProductKey Specifications
LittelfuseSM712-0212A, 13.3V clamping, bidirectional TVS for RS-485
BournsV14450A14mm MOV, 450VAC, 210J energy rating
STMicroelectronicsTV05C0600.5W, 6V, ultra-small TVS for IoT devices

7. Selection Guidelines

Key considerations:

  • Operating voltage vs. clamping voltage margin
  • Surge current requirements (8/20 s waveform standard)
  • Package size constraints (SMD vs. through-hole)
  • Environmental conditions (temperature, humidity)
  • Lifespan expectations (MOVs degrade with repeated surges)

8. Industry Trends

Emerging trends include:

  • Miniaturization: Sub-0201 TVS devices for mobile applications
  • Higher energy density: MOVs with >1000J/cm absorption
  • Integration: Combined ESD and surge protection solutions
  • Automotive focus: AEC-Q qualified devices for 48V systems
  • Green manufacturing: Lead-free and RoHS-compliant materials
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