TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
V9MLA0805LNT

V9MLA0805LNT

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 13.5V 40A 0805

0

V625LS80CPX2855

V625LS80CPX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 1KV 10KA DISC 20MM

0

FBMOV460M

FBMOV460M

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 750V 40KA AXIAL CYLINDR

0

V680LA10PX2855

V680LA10PX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 1.1KV 2.5KA DISC 10MM

0

V330MA2A

V330MA2A

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 330V 100A SOD83A AXIAL

0

V07E250PL2T

V07E250PL2T

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 390V 1.75KA DISC 7MM

0

V05P35P

V05P35P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 56V 500A DISC 5MM

0

V5.5MLA1206NT

V5.5MLA1206NT

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 8.2V 150A 1206

0

V275LS4P

V275LS4P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 430V 1.2KA DISC 7MM

0

V1000LA80AP

V1000LA80AP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 1.65KV 4.5KA DISC 14MM

128

V470ZA05PX1347

V470ZA05PX1347

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 470V 400A DISC 5MM

0

SMOV25S131NP

SMOV25S131NP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 205V 20KA BOX 5 LEAD

0

V20H300P

V20H300P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 470V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V251HA40

V251HA40

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 390V 40KA DISC 40MM

44

V18ZA05P

V18ZA05P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 18V 100A DISC 5MM

302

V10H510P

V10H510P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 820V 3.5KA DISC 10MM

0

TMOV14RP230ML2T7

TMOV14RP230ML2T7

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 360V 6KA DISC 14MM

0

V05E42AUTO

V05E42AUTO

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 68V 400A DISC 5MM

0

TMOV34S151EP

TMOV34S151EP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 240V 40KA SQUARE 34MM

0

V150LA20CP

V150LA20CP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 240V 10KA DISC 20MM

1500

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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