TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
V660LA10CP

V660LA10CP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 1.08KV 3.5KA DISC 10MM

0

V22ZC1P

V22ZC1P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 22V 250A DISC 7MM

0

V511HA40

V511HA40

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 820V 40KA DISC 40MM

0

V5.5MLA1206NH

V5.5MLA1206NH

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 8.2V 150A 1206

0

V300LS40CPX745

V300LS40CPX745

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 455V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V14E75P

V14E75P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 120V 6.5KA DISC 14MM

3595

V18MLA0805LNA

V18MLA0805LNA

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 25V 40A 0805

0

V14E11P

V14E11P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 18V 4KA DISC 14MM

554900

V10E510P

V10E510P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 820V 3.5KA DISC 10MM

5000

V82ZT4P

V82ZT4P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 82V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

0

V18MLA0805LNT

V18MLA0805LNT

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 25V 40A 0805

0

V251HC40

V251HC40

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 390V 40KA DISC 40MM

0

V25S385P

V25S385P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 620V 22KA RADIAL

1591

V9MLA0805LNH

V9MLA0805LNH

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 13.5V 40A 0805

796

V14H510AUTO

V14H510AUTO

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 820V 6.5KA DISC 14MM

0

V14E42AUTO

V14E42AUTO

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 68V 3KA DISC 14MM

0

V321HF34

V321HF34

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 510V 40KA SQUARE 34MM

0

V1000LA160CPX10

V1000LA160CPX10

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 1.65KV 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V300LT20CP

V300LT20CP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 470V 6.5KA DISC 14MM

0

V14E40P

V14E40P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 68V 4KA DISC 14MM

86822800

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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