TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
V33ZA20P

V33ZA20P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 33V 2KA DISC 10MM

0

V10H460P

V10H460P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 750V 3.5KA DISC 10MM

0

V420LA40CP

V420LA40CP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 680V 10KA DISC 20MM

850

TMOV34S421MP

TMOV34S421MP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 680V 40KA SQUARE 34MM

0

V150LA10APX2855

V150LA10APX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 240V 4.5KA DISC 14MM

0

V07P14AUTOL1T

V07P14AUTOL1T

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 22V 800A DISC 7MM

0

V270MT4B

V270MT4B

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 270V 100A SOD83A AXIAL

0

V14H40P

V14H40P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 68V 3KA DISC 14MM

0

V07E150PX2855

V07E150PX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 240V 1.75KA DISC 7MM

0

V140LC10CP

V140LC10CP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 220V 6.5KA DISC 14MM

0

V39ZT05P

V39ZT05P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 39V 100A DISC 5MM

0

V625LU40CP

V625LU40CP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 1KV 6.5KA DISC 14MM

0

V271HF34

V271HF34

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 430V 40KA SQUARE 34MM

0

TMOV34S131MP

TMOV34S131MP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 205V 40KA SQUARE 34MM

0

V18MLE0603NR

V18MLE0603NR

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 25V 0603

0

V07E275PL2T

V07E275PL2T

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 430V 1.75KA DISC 7MM

0

TMOV14RP130EL2B7

TMOV14RP130EL2B7

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 205V 6KA DISC 14MM

0

V47MA2A

V47MA2A

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 47V 40A SOD83A AXIAL

998

V14H11P

V14H11P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 27.9V 1.8KA DISC 14MM

0

V420LA20AP

V420LA20AP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 680V 4.5KA DISC 14MM

38

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
RFQ BOM Call Skype Email
Top