TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
V5.5MLA0603NT

V5.5MLA0603NT

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 8.2V 30A 0603

0

V47CH8S

V47CH8S

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 47V 100A 2SMD NO LEAD

0

V230LA20APX1347

V230LA20APX1347

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 360V 4.5KA DISC 14MM

0

V14P40P

V14P40P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 68V 4KA DISC 14MM

0

V05P30P

V05P30P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 47V 500A DISC 5MM

0

V18MLA1206NA

V18MLA1206NA

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 25V 150A 1206

0

SMOV25S301MP

SMOV25S301MP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 470V 20KA BOX 5 LEAD

0

SMOV25S511NP

SMOV25S511NP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 820V 20KA BOX 5 LEAD

0

V275LA40CP

V275LA40CP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 430V 10KA DISC 20MM

66

V48MLA1206NHAUTO

V48MLA1206NHAUTO

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 60.5V 180A 1206

0

V275LA40APX10

V275LA40APX10

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 430V 6.5KA DISC 20MM

0

V175LT20CPX10

V175LT20CPX10

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 270V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V10H440P

V10H440P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 715V 3.5KA DISC 10MM

0

V181DHB34

V181DHB34

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 282V 40KA SQUARE 34MM

0

V441HA40

V441HA40

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 690V 40KA DISC 40MM

0

FBMOV510M

FBMOV510M

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 820V 40KA AXIAL CYLINDR

0

V33ZA5P

V33ZA5P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 33V 1KA DISC 14MM

4420

V18MLE0805NT

V18MLE0805NT

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 25V 0805

0

TMOV34S551MP

TMOV34S551MP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 854.5V 40KA SQUARE 34MM

0

V85MLA1210NT

V85MLA1210NT

Wickmann / Littelfuse

MULTI-LAYER VARISTOR SMD

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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