TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
V385LA20CP

V385LA20CP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 620V 6.5KA DISC 14MM

0

V150LA20APX10

V150LA20APX10

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 240V 6.5KA DISC 20MM

0

V625LC80CPX10

V625LC80CPX10

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 1KV 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V10H140P

V10H140P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 220V 3.5KA DISC 10MM

0

V07P20P

V07P20P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 33V 1KA DISC 7MM

0

V420LA7P

V420LA7P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 680V 1.2KA DISC 7MM

4832

V481HF34

V481HF34

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 750V 40KA SQUARE 34MM

0

V660LU80CPX10

V660LU80CPX10

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 1.08KV 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V10E42AUTO

V10E42AUTO

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 68V 1.5KA DISC 10MM

1793

TMOV14RP550E

TMOV14RP550E

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 910V 6KA DISC 14MM

1137

V05P75P

V05P75P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 120V 800A DISC 5MM

0

V300LC40CPX2855

V300LC40CPX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 470V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V271DHB34

V271DHB34

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 430V 40KA SQUARE 34MM

0

V24ZC50P

V24ZC50P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 23V 2KA DISC 20MM

0

V300LA10CPX2855

V300LA10CPX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 470V 3.5KA DISC 10MM

0

V1000LA160BP

V1000LA160BP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 1.5125KV 6.5KA DISC

0

TMOV34S301MP

TMOV34S301MP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 470V 40KA SQUARE 34MM

0

TMOV14RP510EL2B7

TMOV14RP510EL2B7

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 820V 6KA DISC 14MM

0

V10E510PL1T7

V10E510PL1T7

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 820V 3.5KA DISC 10MM

0

V10E95P

V10E95P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 150V 3.5KA 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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