TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
V20H17P

V20H17P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 27V 5KA DISC 20MM

0

V275LC40CPX680

V275LC40CPX680

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 421V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V20H140P

V20H140P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 220V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V480SM7

V480SM7

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 747.5V 1.2KA 2SMD

0

TMOV20RP130EL2T7

TMOV20RP130EL2T7

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 205V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V230LA20AP

V230LA20AP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 360V 4.5KA DISC 14MM

4256

V680LU80CP

V680LU80CP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 1.1KV 6.5KA DISC 14MM

0

V05P14P

V05P14P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 22V 500A DISC 5MM

0

V36ZA20P

V36ZA20P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 36V 2KA DISC 20MM

0

V230LA4P

V230LA4P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 360V 1.2KA DISC 7MM

358

V140LT10CPX2855

V140LT10CPX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 220V 6.5KA DISC 14MM

0

TMOV20RP250EL2T7

TMOV20RP250EL2T7

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 390V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V230LS20CP

V230LS20CP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 360V 6.5KA DISC 14MM

0

V275LA10P

V275LA10P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 430V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

4381

V385LS40CPX2855

V385LS40CPX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 620V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V150ZA4P

V150ZA4P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 150V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

0

V68ZS20PX10

V68ZS20PX10

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 68V 2KA DISC 20MM

0

V07E300PL1T

V07E300PL1T

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 470V 1.75KA DISC 7MM

0

V10P11P

V10P11P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 18V 2KA DISC 10MM

0

V531DHB34

V531DHB34

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 40KA SQUARE 34MM TABS

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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