TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
MAV0020RP

MAV0020RP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 120V 3A 0405

4000

VJ13MC0180KBA

VJ13MC0180KBA

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 24V 500A 1210

8365

VC120603A100TP

VC120603A100TP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 5V 40A 1206

0

VC080503C100RP

VC080503C100RP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 5V 120A 0805

0

CANAT04DP

CANAT04DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 100V 4A 0612

0

VGAS121016J400DP

VGAS121016J400DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 25.5V 500A 1210

0

VC121060J121DP

VC121060J121DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 76V 250A 1210

0

VC04LC18V500WP

VC04LC18V500WP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 0402

5144

VCAS04AP182R0LATWA

VCAS04AP182R0LATWA

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 110V 1A 0402

4390

VC121018J390DP

VC121018J390DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 25.5V 500A 1210

757

VC040214X300WP

VC040214X300WP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 18.5V 20A 0402

66083

VC060326A580DP

VC060326A580DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 34.5V 30A 0603

395

VC080503C100DP

VC080503C100DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 5V 120A 0805

0

VCAS060309A200DP

VCAS060309A200DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 12.7V 30A 0603

0

V2F109C200Y1FRP

V2F109C200Y1FRP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 12.7V 120A 0805

0

VGAH222031Y650DP

VGAH222031Y650DP

Elco (AVX)

HIGH TEMPERATURE +150C AUTOMOTIV

7835

VA200060K121DL

VA200060K121DL

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 76V 300A AXIAL

19742000

MG064L18X500RP

MG064L18X500RP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 28V 20A 0612

0

VC120618A400DP

VC120618A400DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 25.5V 30A 1206

21667

VCAS06AP243R3LAT1A

VCAS06AP243R3LAT1A

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 120V 3A 0603

2744

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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