TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
V130LS20CPX10

V130LS20CPX10

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 205V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V05E11PL2B

V05E11PL2B

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 18V 500A DISC 5MM

0

V575LA10P

V575LA10P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 910V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

1548

V251DA40

V251DA40

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 390V 40KA ENCASED DISC

5

V150LA5CP

V150LA5CP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 240V 3.5KA DISC 10MM

0

V230LU40CPX2855

V230LU40CPX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 360V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

SMOV25S551MP

SMOV25S551MP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 910V 20KA BOX 5 LEAD

0

V130LA10CPX2855

V130LA10CPX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 205V 6.5KA DISC 14MM

0

SMOV34S621NP

SMOV34S621NP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 1KV 40KA BOX 5 LEAD

0

V07E130PL1T

V07E130PL1T

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 205V 1.75KA DISC 7MM

0

V150LC20CPX10

V150LC20CPX10

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 240V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V480LA10CP

V480LA10CP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 750V 3.5KA DISC 10MM

0

V320LS10CPX2855

V320LS10CPX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 510V 3.5KA DISC 10MM

0

V681DHB34

V681DHB34

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 1.0675KV 40KA SQU TABS

0

V150LU10CPX2855

V150LU10CPX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 240V 6.5KA DISC 14MM

0

V07E140P

V07E140P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 220V 1.75KA DISC 7MM

0

V481HC40

V481HC40

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 750V 40KA DISC 40MM

0

V301HB34

V301HB34

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 470V 40KA SQUARE 34MM

0

SMOV34S181NP

SMOV34S181NP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 284V 40KA BOX 5 LEAD

0

V10P30AUTO

V10P30AUTO

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 47V 1.5KA DISC 10MM

3215

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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