TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
B72250L0461K102

B72250L0461K102

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 750V 75KA DISC 57MM

0

B72210S2381K551

B72210S2381K551

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 620V 3.5KA DISC 10MM

0

B72660M1140K093

B72660M1140K093

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 22V 250A 4032

0

B72210S0141K101

B72210S0141K101

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 220V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

3260

B72207S0140K211

B72207S0140K211

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 22V 250A DISC 7MM

8769

B72207S0231K211

B72207S0231K211

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 360V 1.2KA DISC 7MM

0

B72225T4271K101

B72225T4271K101

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 430V 20KA RADIAL BOX

306

B72220T0102K105

B72220T0102K105

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 1.8KV 6.5KA RADIAL BOX

0

B72210S0131K101

B72210S0131K101

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 205V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

25388

B72214S0171K551

B72214S0171K551

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 270V 4.5KA DISC 14MM

0

B72510E1140S262

B72510E1140S262

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 24.5V 120A 0805

877

B72207S0110K211

B72207S0110K211

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 18V 250A DISC 7MM

171

B72220S0301K151

B72220S0301K151

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 470V 8KA DISC 20MM

1337

B72520E0250K062

B72520E0250K062

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 39V 200A 1206

7147

B72214S2151K101

B72214S2151K101

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 240V 6KA DISC 14MM

0

B72205S2171K101

B72205S2171K101

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 270V 800A DISC 5MM

0

B72260B0381K001

B72260B0381K001

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 620V 70KA ENCASED DISC

34

B72214S2421K101

B72214S2421K101

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 680V 5KA DISC 14MM

6567

B72225T4321K101

B72225T4321K101

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 510V 20KA RADIAL BOX

1881

B72207S0300K101

B72207S0300K101

TDK EPCOS

VARISTOR 47V 250A DISC 7MM

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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