TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
V275LT20AP

V275LT20AP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 430V 4.5KA DISC 14MM

3066

SMOV34S131MP

SMOV34S131MP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 205V 40KA BOX 5 LEAD

0

V510LC80CPX2855

V510LC80CPX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 820V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V14H60P

V14H60P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 100V 6.5KA DISC 14MM

0

V3.5MLA0805NA

V3.5MLA0805NA

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 5.35V 120A 0805

0

TMOV34S201EP

TMOV34S201EP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 320V 40KA SQUARE 34MM

0

V20E300PL1A1

V20E300PL1A1

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 470V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V220CH8T

V220CH8T

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 220V 250A 2SMD NO LEAD

1542

V481DA40

V481DA40

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 750V 40KA ENCASED DISC

4036

V480LA80CPX2855

V480LA80CPX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 750V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V27ZT2P

V27ZT2P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 27V 500A DISC 10MM

0

V130LS2P

V130LS2P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 205V 1.2KA DISC 7MM

0

V510LT80CPX2855

V510LT80CPX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 820V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V56ZA05P

V56ZA05P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 56V 100A DISC 5MM

0

TMOV14RP250E

TMOV14RP250E

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 390V 6KA DISC 14MM

0

V430CH8T

V430CH8T

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 430V 250A 2SMD NO LEAD

6646

V130LA5P

V130LA5P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 205V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

1807

SMOV34S271MP

SMOV34S271MP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 430V 40KA BOX 5 LEAD

0

V18MT1B

V18MT1B

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 18V 40A SOD83A AXIAL

0

V140LT5CP

V140LT5CP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 220V 3.5KA DISC 10MM

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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