TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
V130LA20APX10

V130LA20APX10

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 205V 6.5KA DISC 20MM

0

V25S460P

V25S460P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 750V 22KA RADIAL

0

TMOV34S131MPX2696

TMOV34S131MPX2696

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 205V 40KA SQUARE 34MM

0

V10E14PL1T

V10E14PL1T

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 22V 2KA DISC 10MM

0

V180ZS10P

V180ZS10P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 180V 4.5KA DISC 14MM

0

V275LA4P

V275LA4P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 430V 1.2KA DISC 7MM

552

V120ZA20P

V120ZA20P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 120V 6.5KA DISC 20MM

569

V33ZT70P

V33ZT70P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 33V 2KA DISC 20MM

0

V22MA1B

V22MA1B

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 22V 40A SOD83A AXIAL

1345

TMOV25SP275E

TMOV25SP275E

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 430V 20KA SQUARE 28MM

0

V07P385P

V07P385P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 620V 1.75KA DISC 7MM

0

V420LA40CPX2855

V420LA40CPX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 680V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V275LA40CPX2855

V275LA40CPX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 430V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V480LA40AP

V480LA40AP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 750V 4.5KA DISC 14MM

0

V56MLA1206H

V56MLA1206H

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 69V 180A 1206

1273

V625LA10P

V625LA10P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 1KV 2.5KA DISC 10MM

0

V07E130PL1B5

V07E130PL1B5

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 205V 1.75KA DISC 7MM

0

V18MLA0805LNHAUTO

V18MLA0805LNHAUTO

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 25V 40A 0805

0

TMOV25SP130E

TMOV25SP130E

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 205V 20KA SQUARE 28MM

0

V751HC40

V751HC40

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 1.2KV 40KA DISC 40MM

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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