TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
VG121022R440DP

VG121022R440DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 27V 400A 1210

1

VCAS06AP182R0LAT1A

VCAS06AP182R0LAT1A

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 175V 2A 0603

1726

VG222065Y131DP

VG222065Y131DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 82V 800A 2220

990

VC121030H620RP

VC121030H620RP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 41V 280A 1210

8114

VCAS080526C580DP

VCAS080526C580DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 34.5V 100A 0805

0

VCAS121060J121DP

VCAS121060J121DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 76V 250A 1210

9821000

USB0005WP

USB0005WP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 0402

9061

V2F109A200Y2ERP

V2F109A200Y2ERP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 12.7V 30A 0805

0

VCAS120605D150DP

VCAS120605D150DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 8.5V 150A 1206

863

VC080530C650DP

VC080530C650DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 41V 80A 0805

0

VG120616K390DP

VG120616K390DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 24.5V 200A 1206

0

VCAS120605A150DP

VCAS120605A150DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 8.5V 40A 1206

4282000

VC080526A580DP

VC080526A580DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 34.5V 30A 0805

3040

VC060309A200RP

VC060309A200RP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 12.7V 30A 0603

0

VG222031Y650DP

VG222031Y650DP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 39V 1.2KA 2220

3581

VC121048G101RP

VC121048G101RP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 62V 220A 1210

0

V2AF105C150Y1FDP

V2AF105C150Y1FDP

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 8.5V 120A 0805

0

VA100005D150RL

VA100005D150RL

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 8.5V 150A AXIAL

0

VJ13PC0300KBA

VJ13PC0300KBA

Elco (AVX)

VARISTOR 39V 280A 1210

0

VGAH322026Z570DP

VGAH322026Z570DP

Elco (AVX)

HIGH TEMPERATURE +150C AUTOMOTIV

7861

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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