TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
V14P30P

V14P30P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 47V 4KA DISC 14MM

0

V8ZT05P

V8ZT05P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 8.5V 50A DISC 5MM

0

TMOV20RP550E

TMOV20RP550E

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 910V 10KA DISC 20MM

31991200

V25S130P

V25S130P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 205V 22KA RADIAL

700

SMOV25S421NP

SMOV25S421NP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 680V 20KA BOX 5 LEAD

0

V14P25P

V14P25P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 39V 4KA DISC 14MM

0

V385LC10P

V385LC10P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 620V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

0

V14MLA0805LNH

V14MLA0805LNH

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 18.1V 40A 0805

79

V420LT40CPX2855

V420LT40CPX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 680V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V18ZC05P

V18ZC05P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 18V 100A DISC 5MM

0

V250LA40CPX2855

V250LA40CPX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 390V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V390CH8T

V390CH8T

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 390V 250A 2SMD NO LEAD

0

V22ZA2P

V22ZA2P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 22V 500A DISC 10MM

0

V30MLA0805LNA

V30MLA0805LNA

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 41.5V 30A 0805

0

V130LU2PX2855

V130LU2PX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 205V 1.2KA DISC 7MM

0

V14H320P

V14H320P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 510V 6.5KA DISC 14MM

0

V250LU20CPX2855

V250LU20CPX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 390V 6.5KA DISC 14MM

0

V575LU80BP

V575LU80BP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 889.5V 6.5KA DISC 20MM

0

V130LT20BPX10

V130LT20BPX10

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 205V 6.5KA DISC 20MM

0

V5.5MLA0603NA

V5.5MLA0603NA

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 8.2V 30A 0603

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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