TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
V140LA20CPX2855

V140LA20CPX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 220V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V130LA20AP

V130LA20AP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 205V 6.5KA DISC 20MM

423

V175LT10CP

V175LT10CP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 270V 6.5KA DISC 14MM

0

V07E320PL2T

V07E320PL2T

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 510V 1.75KA DISC 7MM

0

V230LC40CP

V230LC40CP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 360V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V480LS40AP

V480LS40AP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 750V 4.5KA DISC 14MM

0

V420LS40CP

V420LS40CP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 680V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V300LA20CPX10

V300LA20CPX10

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 470V 6.5KA DISC 14MM

0

V151DHB34

V151DHB34

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 240V 40KA SQUARE 34MM

0

V07E300PL1B5

V07E300PL1B5

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 470V 1.75KA DISC 7MM

0

V18AUMLA1210NA

V18AUMLA1210NA

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 27.5V 1210

0

V05E14P

V05E14P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 22V 500A DISC 5MM

0

V30MLA0805LNT

V30MLA0805LNT

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 41.5V 30A 0805

0

V10H115P

V10H115P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 180V 3.5KA DISC 10MM

0

V10E275P

V10E275P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 430V 3.5KA DISC 10MM

1226

TMOV34S331EP

TMOV34S331EP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 528.5V 40KA SQUARE 34MM

0

V250LA4P

V250LA4P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 390V 1.2KA DISC 7MM

2512

V20P17P

V20P17P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 27V 8KA DISC 20MM

0

V420LA7PX2855

V420LA7PX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 680V 1.2KA DISC 7MM

0

V20E175P

V20E175P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 270V 10KA DISC 20MM

153

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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