TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
V175LA5P

V175LA5P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 270V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

9252

V120ZS1P

V120ZS1P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 120V 1.2KA DISC 7MM

0

V385LS40CPX10

V385LS40CPX10

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 620V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V18ZT05P

V18ZT05P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 18V 100A DISC 5MM

0

TMOV34S661MP

TMOV34S661MP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 1.05KV 40KA SQUARE 34MM

0

V460LC40CP

V460LC40CP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 715V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V20H385P

V20H385P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 620V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V150LC20BP

V150LC20BP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 229.5V 6.5KA DISC 20MM

0

V120CH8S

V120CH8S

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 120V 250A 2SMD NO LEAD

0

V200RA8

V200RA8

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 205V 1.2KA RADIAL BOX

2

V14H550P

V14H550P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 910V 6.5KA DISC 14MM

0

V660LA10P

V660LA10P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 1.08KV 2.5KA DISC 10MM

4672

V22ZS1P

V22ZS1P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 22V 250A DISC 7MM

0

V130LC10CPX2855

V130LC10CPX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 205V 6.5KA DISC 14MM

0

V20H150P

V20H150P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 240V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V385LA20CPX2855

V385LA20CPX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 620V 6.5KA DISC 14MM

0

V150LT10CPX2855

V150LT10CPX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 240V 6.5KA DISC 14MM

0

V8ZA1P

V8ZA1P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 8.5V 100A DISC 7MM

4958

V240CH8

V240CH8

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 240V 250A 2SMD NO LEAD

5588

V460LU20CP

V460LU20CP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 715V 6.5KA DISC 14MM

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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