TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
V420LC10P

V420LC10P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 680V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

0

V56ZU2P

V56ZU2P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 56V 250A DISC 7MM

0

V151HA40

V151HA40

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 240V 40KA DISC 40MM

0

V27ZA1P

V27ZA1P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 27V 250A DISC 7MM

8225

V420LA40BP

V420LA40BP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 665V 6.5KA DISC 20MM

0

TMOV14RP175EL3T7

TMOV14RP175EL3T7

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 270V 6KA DISC 14MM

0

V130LA5CP

V130LA5CP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 205V 3.5KA DISC 10MM

0

V140LC20CPX340

V140LC20CPX340

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 214V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

TMOV14RP320EL2T7

TMOV14RP320EL2T7

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 510V 6KA DISC 14MM

400

V120RA16X2749

V120RA16X2749

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 120V 4.5KA RADIAL BOX

0

V250LS10P

V250LS10P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 390V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

7355

V385LC20CP

V385LC20CP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 620V 6.5KA DISC 14MM

0

V250LC40CPX2855

V250LC40CPX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 390V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V07P60P

V07P60P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 100V 1.75KA DISC 7MM

0

V14E30AUTO

V14E30AUTO

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 47V 3KA DISC 14MM

0

TMOV14RP150E

TMOV14RP150E

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 240V 6KA DISC 14MM

0

TMOV25SP750M

TMOV25SP750M

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 1.2KV 20KA SQUARE 28MM

744960

V07E320PL3T

V07E320PL3T

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 510V 1.75KA DISC 7MM

0

V14E320P

V14E320P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 510V 6KA DISC 14MM

8579

SMOV25S621MP

SMOV25S621MP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 1KV 20KA BOX 5 LEAD

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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