TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
V5.5MLA0805H

V5.5MLA0805H

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 8.2V 120A 0805

2460

SMOV25S421MP

SMOV25S421MP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 680V 20KA BOX 5 LEAD

0

V420LA20APX1347

V420LA20APX1347

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 680V 4.5KA DISC 14MM

0

V250LA40BP

V250LA40BP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 383.5V 6.5KA DISC 20MM

26291500

TMOV20RP625ML1B7

TMOV20RP625ML1B7

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 1KV 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V22ZS3P

V22ZS3P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 22V 1KA DISC 14MM

0

V150LA20AP

V150LA20AP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 240V 6.5KA DISC 20MM

866

V20P42AUTO

V20P42AUTO

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 68V 5KA DISC 20MM

806

V05E14AUTO

V05E14AUTO

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 22V 400A DISC 5MM

0

V331HB34

V331HB34

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 518.5V 40KA SQUARE 34MM

0

V480LA80CP

V480LA80CP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 750V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V275LT20CPX2855

V275LT20CPX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 430V 6.5KA DISC 14MM

0

V275LC20CPX2855

V275LC20CPX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 430V 6.5KA DISC 14MM

0

V320LU20CPX2855

V320LU20CPX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 510V 6.5KA DISC 14MM

0

TMOV14RP385ML2T7

TMOV14RP385ML2T7

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 620V 6KA DISC 14MM

0

V10H275P

V10H275P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 430V 3.5KA DISC 10MM

0

V275LT40CPX2855

V275LT40CPX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 430V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V430MA3A

V430MA3A

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 430V 100A SOD83A AXIAL

1882

SMOV25S271NP

SMOV25S271NP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 430V 20KA BOX 5 LEAD

0

V24AUMLA2220H

V24AUMLA2220H

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 35.5V 2220

1600

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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