TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
V07E385PL1T5

V07E385PL1T5

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 620V 1.75KA DISC 7MM

0

V150LU20CPX10

V150LU20CPX10

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 240V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V30MLA0603NT

V30MLA0603NT

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 41.5V 30A 0603

0

SMOV25S751MP

SMOV25S751MP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 1.2KV 20KA BOX 5 LEAD

0

V420LA20APX2855

V420LA20APX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 680V 4.5KA DISC 14MM

0

TMOV25SP230E

TMOV25SP230E

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 360V 20KA SQUARE 28MM

0

V250LA20CPX2855

V250LA20CPX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 390V 6.5KA DISC 14MM

0

V10E250P

V10E250P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 390V 3.5KA DISC 10MM

4642

V150LT10CP

V150LT10CP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 240V 6.5KA DISC 14MM

0

V150LC20CPX2855

V150LC20CPX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 240V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V18ZA3P

V18ZA3P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 18V 1KA DISC 14MM

2435

V150LA2P

V150LA2P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 240V 1.2KA DISC 7MM

4613

V385LA40CPX10

V385LA40CPX10

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 620V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V385LS20CPX2855

V385LS20CPX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 620V 6.5KA DISC 14MM

0

TMOV34S111MP

TMOV34S111MP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 180V 40KA SQUARE 34MM

0

TMOV34S571MPX2696

TMOV34S571MPX2696

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 910V 40KA SQUARE 34MM

0

V82MT3B

V82MT3B

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 82V 40A SOD83A AXIAL

0

V07P140P

V07P140P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 220V 1.75KA DISC 7MM

0

V56ZS20P

V56ZS20P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 56V 2KA DISC 20MM

0

V385LU40CPX10

V385LU40CPX10

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 620V 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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