TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
SMOV34S151NP

SMOV34S151NP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 240V 40KA BOX 5 LEAD

0

V230LU40CP

V230LU40CP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 360V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V18MLE0805LNH

V18MLE0805LNH

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 25V 0805

250020000

V14H385P

V14H385P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 620V 6.5KA DISC 14MM

0

V385LT40CPX2855

V385LT40CPX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 620V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

TMOV25SP385M

TMOV25SP385M

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 620V 20KA SQUARE 28MM

739

V100ZA3P

V100ZA3P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 100V 1.2KA DISC 7MM

3906

V180ZT5P

V180ZT5P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 180V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

0

V07E42AUTO

V07E42AUTO

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 68V 800A DISC 7MM

0

V130LC5P

V130LC5P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 205V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

0

V175LS20CPX2855

V175LS20CPX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 270V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

SMOV25S181NP

SMOV25S181NP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 270V 20KA BOX 5 LEAD

0

V575LA80CPX2855

V575LA80CPX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 910V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

SMOV25S461MP

SMOV25S461MP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 750V 20KA BOX 5 LEAD

0

V24ZS50P

V24ZS50P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 23V 2KA DISC 20MM

0

V300LC40CPX10

V300LC40CPX10

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 470V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V18MLE0603LNR

V18MLE0603LNR

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 25V 0603

0

V130LS20BP

V130LS20BP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 205V 6.5KA DISC 20MM

0

V85MLA1210NH

V85MLA1210NH

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 105V 250A 1210

1386

V14P23P

V14P23P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 36V 4KA 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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