TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
TMOV14RP230M

TMOV14RP230M

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 360V 6KA DISC 14MM

0

V150LC20CPX360

V150LC20CPX360

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 229.5V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V5.5MLA0603NHAUTO

V5.5MLA0603NHAUTO

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 8.2V 30A 0603

598

V47ZA3P

V47ZA3P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 47V 500A DISC 10MM

8071

V33ZC1P

V33ZC1P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 33V 250A DISC 7MM

0

V230LT10P

V230LT10P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 360V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

0

V250LT40CPX2855

V250LT40CPX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 390V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V26MLA0805NT

V26MLA0805NT

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 34V 100A 0805

0

V175LU10CPX2855

V175LU10CPX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 270V 6.5KA DISC 14MM

0

V300LU20CP

V300LU20CP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 470V 6.5KA DISC 14MM

0

V07E250PL1T

V07E250PL1T

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 390V 1.75KA DISC 7MM

0

V150LC10AP

V150LC10AP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 240V 4.5KA DISC 14MM

0

V12MLA0805LNA

V12MLA0805LNA

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 16.25V 40A 0805

0

TMOV20RP230EL2B7

TMOV20RP230EL2B7

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 360V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V120MT1A

V120MT1A

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 120V 100A SOD83A AXIAL

0

V271HA32

V271HA32

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 430V 25KA DISC 32MM

0

SMOV25S751NP

SMOV25S751NP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 1.2KV 20KA BOX 5 LEAD

0

V150LT20CPX10

V150LT20CPX10

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 240V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V420LS10P

V420LS10P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 680V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

0

V480LA80BP

V480LA80BP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 732.5V 6.5KA DISC 20MM

2

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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