TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
V10H420P

V10H420P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 612V 3.5KA DISC 10MM

0

V625LA80BPX10

V625LA80BPX10

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 1KV 6.5KA DISC 20MM

0

TMOV20RP420EL2T7

TMOV20RP420EL2T7

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 680V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V0603MHS03NH

V0603MHS03NH

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 135V 0603

16696

V20E75P

V20E75P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 120V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V120ZS4P

V120ZS4P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 120V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

0

V660LA80CPX10

V660LA80CPX10

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 1.08KV 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V550LS80CP

V550LS80CP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 880V 10KA DISC 20MM

2200

V385LT10P

V385LT10P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 620V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

0

V26MLA0603NA

V26MLA0603NA

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 34.5V 30A 0603

0

V680ZA05P

V680ZA05P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 680V 400A DISC 5MM

0

V39MT2A

V39MT2A

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 39V 40A SOD83A AXIAL

0

SMOV34S301NP

SMOV34S301NP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 480V 40KA BOX 5 LEAD

0

V140LA20CPX10

V140LA20CPX10

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 220V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V10P300P

V10P300P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 470V 3.5KA DISC 10MM

0

V250LT10CP

V250LT10CP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 390V 3.5KA DISC 10MM

0

V20E14AUTO

V20E14AUTO

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 22V 5KA DISC 20MM

0

V10P14PL1T7

V10P14PL1T7

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 22V 2KA DISC 10MM

0

V100ZS4P

V100ZS4P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 100V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

0

V230LS40CPX10

V230LS40CPX10

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 360V 10KA DISC 20MM

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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