TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
V22ZA1P

V22ZA1P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 22V 250A DISC 7MM

21914500

V68ZA3P

V68ZA3P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 68V 500A DISC 10MM

0

V14H14P

V14H14P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 22V 3KA DISC 14MM

0

V150MA2B

V150MA2B

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 150V 100A SOD83A AXIAL

4500

TMOV34S391EP

TMOV34S391EP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 620V 40KA SQUARE 34MM

0

V220CH8

V220CH8

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 220V 250A 2SMD NO LEAD

2566

TMOV34S321MPX2696

TMOV34S321MPX2696

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 510V 40KA SQUARE 34MM

0

V20H11P

V20H11P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 18V 5KA DISC 20MM

0

V20E50P

V20E50P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 82V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

TMOV20RP175EL2T7

TMOV20RP175EL2T7

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 270V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V140LS20CPX340

V140LS20CPX340

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 214V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V10E460P

V10E460P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 750V 3.5KA DISC 10MM

0

V82ZA20P

V82ZA20P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 82V 6.5KA DISC 20MM

2049

V20H230P

V20H230P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 360V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

TMOV20RP115M

TMOV20RP115M

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 180V 10KA DISC 20MM

712

V150LU10CP

V150LU10CP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 240V 6.5KA DISC 14MM

0

V300LA40CP

V300LA40CP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 470V 10KA DISC 20MM

3047

V20H95P

V20H95P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 150V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V33ZA70P

V33ZA70P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 33V 2KA DISC 20MM

1209

V10H50P

V10H50P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 82V 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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