TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
V48MLA1206NH

V48MLA1206NH

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 60.5V 180A 1206

13194

V14MLA0805NA

V14MLA0805NA

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 18.1V 120A 0805

0

V68ZA2PX2855

V68ZA2PX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 68V 250A DISC 7MM

0

V10E440P

V10E440P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 715V 3.5KA DISC 10MM

0

V07E25PB7

V07E25PB7

Wickmann / Littelfuse

RAD VARISTOR 7MM

0

V100ZA20P

V100ZA20P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 100V 6.5KA DISC 20MM

1438

V14E95P

V14E95P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 150V 6.5KA DISC 14MM

0

V421HA40

V421HA40

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 680V 40KA DISC 40MM

0

V175LA10AP

V175LA10AP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 270V 4.5KA DISC 14MM

1891

V230LA40CPX2855

V230LA40CPX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 360V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V230LT10CP

V230LT10CP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 360V 3.5KA DISC 10MM

0

V230LC40CPX2855

V230LC40CPX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 360V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V480LS80CPX2855

V480LS80CPX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 750V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

SMOV34S271NP

SMOV34S271NP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 430V 40KA BOX 5 LEAD

0

TMOV34S111EP

TMOV34S111EP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 180V 40KA SQUARE 34MM

0

V130LU20CP

V130LU20CP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 205V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V420LT10P

V420LT10P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 680V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

0

V20E25P

V20E25P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 39V 8KA DISC 20MM

1415

V14E550P

V14E550P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 910V 6KA DISC 14MM

174

V575LU80CPX2855

V575LU80CPX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 910V 10KA DISC 20MM

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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