TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
V230LS10P

V230LS10P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 360V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

0

V330MA5B

V330MA5B

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 330V 100A SOD83A AXIAL

0

V10E625P

V10E625P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 1KV 3.5KA DISC 10MM

17837

V320LT40CPX2855

V320LT40CPX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 510V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V150ZS4P

V150ZS4P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 150V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

0

V07E420PL2T

V07E420PL2T

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 680V 1.75KA DISC 7MM

0

V07E150P

V07E150P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 240V 1.75KA DISC 7MM

18532

V575LC80CPX10

V575LC80CPX10

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 910V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

TMOV20RP750EL2B7

TMOV20RP750EL2B7

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 1.2KV 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V250LT40CPX10

V250LT40CPX10

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 390V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V20E30AUTOL2

V20E30AUTOL2

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 47V 5KA DISC 20MM

0

V510LT40AP

V510LT40AP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 820V 4.5KA DISC 14MM

0

V07E175PL2T5

V07E175PL2T5

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 270V 1.75KA DISC 7MM

998

V460LA20AP

V460LA20AP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 715V 4.5KA DISC 14MM

1851800

V48AUMLA2220H

V48AUMLA2220H

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 60.5V 2220

235

V33MLA1206NA

V33MLA1206NA

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 43.5V 180A 1206

0

V430RA22

V430RA22

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 430V 6.5KA RADIAL BOX

0

V22ZS2PX2855

V22ZS2PX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 22V 500A DISC 10MM

0

V10E23P

V10E23P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 36V 2KA DISC 10MM

0

V130LT5PX2855

V130LT5PX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 205V 2.5KA 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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