TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
V26MLA0805LH

V26MLA0805LH

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 34V 40A 0805

1949

V300LS20CP

V300LS20CP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 470V 6.5KA DISC 14MM

0

SMOV34S751MP

SMOV34S751MP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 1.2KV 40KA BOX 5 LEAD

0

V14H320AUTO

V14H320AUTO

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 510V 6.5KA DISC 14MM

0

V660LT80CPX10

V660LT80CPX10

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 1.08KV 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V150ZA1P

V150ZA1P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 150V 1.2KA DISC 7MM

4533

V18ZA1P

V18ZA1P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 18V 250A DISC 7MM

5093

V07P17P

V07P17P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 27V 1KA DISC 7MM

0

V5.5MLA0805LNHAUTO

V5.5MLA0805LNHAUTO

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 8.2V 40A 0805

0

V575LA40CP

V575LA40CP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 910V 6.5KA DISC 14MM

0

V47ZA05P

V47ZA05P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 47V 100A DISC 5MM

4058

V480LA7P

V480LA7P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 750V 1.2KA DISC 7MM

5051

FBMOV625M

FBMOV625M

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 1KV 40KA AXIAL CYLINDER

0

V510LU80CP

V510LU80CP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 820V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V175LT10CPX2855

V175LT10CPX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 270V 6.5KA DISC 14MM

0

V130LT10AP

V130LT10AP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 205V 4.5KA DISC 14MM

0

V275LU40BP

V275LU40BP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 421V 6.5KA DISC 20MM

0

V175LC20CPX425

V175LC20CPX425

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 266V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V300LA40CPX745

V300LA40CPX745

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 455V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V175LT5P

V175LT5P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 270V 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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