TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
B72210S0151K151

B72210S0151K151

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 240V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

3481

B72205S2151K101

B72205S2151K101

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 240V 800A DISC 5MM

6281

B72210S2271K341

B72210S2271K341

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 430V 3.5KA DISC 10MM

6879

B72214T2381K105

B72214T2381K105

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 620V 6KA 3SIP

1275

B72214S0321K501

B72214S0321K501

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 510V 4.5KA DISC 14MM

2384

B72214S2950K101

B72214S2950K101

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR DISC 14MM

0

B72214S0350K551

B72214S0350K551

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 56V 1KA DISC 14MM

1142

B72660M0350K072

B72660M0350K072

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 56V 250A 2SMD JLEAD

1380

B72207S0400K211

B72207S0400K211

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 68V 250A DISC 7MM

5406

B72214S0300K151

B72214S0300K151

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 47V 1KA DISC 14MM

158

B72214S0600K151

B72214S0600K151

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 100V 4.5KA DISC 14MM

361

B72214Q0381K101

B72214Q0381K101

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 620V 8KA DISC 14MM

994

B72250L0441K102

B72250L0441K102

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 715V 75KA DISC 57MM

0

B72280B0381K001

B72280B0381K001

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 620V 100KA ENCASED DISC

6

B72205S0441K311

B72205S0441K311

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 715V 400A DISC 5MM

0

B72232B0421K001

B72232B0421K001

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 680V 25KA ENCASED DISC

20

B72207S0170K411

B72207S0170K411

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 27V 250A DISC 7MM

0

B72210S0381K551

B72210S0381K551

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 620V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

1523

B72220S0300K101

B72220S0300K101

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 47V 2KA DISC 20MM

8952

B72220T2381K105

B72220T2381K105

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 620V 10KA RADIAL BOX

310

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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