TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
V275LC40BP

V275LC40BP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 421V 6.5KA DISC 20MM

0

V07E60P

V07E60P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 100V 1.75KA DISC 7MM

6000

V130LU20APX10

V130LU20APX10

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 205V 6.5KA DISC 20MM

0

V550LA80CP

V550LA80CP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 880V 10KA DISC 20MM

6238

V120ZA1P

V120ZA1P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 120V 1.2KA DISC 7MM

689

TMOV14RP320EL3T7

TMOV14RP320EL3T7

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 510V 6KA DISC 14MM

0

V270MT2A

V270MT2A

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 270V 100A SOD83A AXIAL

0

V18MLN41206LWH

V18MLN41206LWH

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 30V 30A 1206

0

V130LU10AP

V130LU10AP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 205V 4.5KA DISC 14MM

0

V275LA20AP

V275LA20AP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 430V 4.5KA DISC 14MM

0

V130LT20CPX325

V130LT20CPX325

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 205V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V140LS2P

V140LS2P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 220V 1.2KA DISC 7MM

0

V20E17P

V20E17P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 27V 8KA DISC 20MM

475

V14E140P

V14E140P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 220V 6KA DISC 14MM

0

V240ZA05P

V240ZA05P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 240V 400A DISC 5MM

0

V150LT5CP

V150LT5CP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 240V 3.5KA DISC 10MM

0

V200CH8T

V200CH8T

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 200V 250A 2SMD NO LEAD

5800

TMOV20RP510E

TMOV20RP510E

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 820V 10KA DISC 20MM

1844

TMOV14RP275EL2T7

TMOV14RP275EL2T7

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 430V 6KA DISC 14MM

0

V9MLA0805LNA

V9MLA0805LNA

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 13.5V 40A 0805

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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