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TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
V480LC40AP

V480LC40AP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 750V 4.5KA DISC 14MM

0
V14H440P

V14H440P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 715V 6.5KA DISC 14MM

0
V14E460P

V14E460P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 750V 6KA DISC 14MM

1800
V320LA10P

V320LA10P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 510V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

2791
V250LC20CP

V250LC20CP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 390V 6.5KA DISC 14MM

0
V18MLA0805NHAUTO

V18MLA0805NHAUTO

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 25V 120A 0805

210
V27ZC1P

V27ZC1P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 27V 250A DISC 7MM

0
V100ZS4PX2855

V100ZS4PX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 100V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

0
V5.5MLA0402NR

V5.5MLA0402NR

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 8.95V 20A 0402

0
V250LA20AP

V250LA20AP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 390V 4.5KA DISC 14MM

2004
V360CH8S

V360CH8S

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 360V 250A 2SMD NO LEAD

0
V571HF34

V571HF34

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 910V 40KA SQUARE 34MM

0
V0603MHS12NH

V0603MHS12NH

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 55V 0603

7900
SMOV25S151NP

SMOV25S151NP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 240V 20KA BOX 5 LEAD

0
V381HB34

V381HB34

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 40KA SQUARE 34MM

0
V460LC40CPX10

V460LC40CPX10

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 715V 10KA DISC 20MM

0
V10H25P

V10H25P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 39V 1.5KA DISC 10MM

0
V8ZS2P

V8ZS2P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 8.5V 250A DISC 10MM

0
TMOV20RP175E

TMOV20RP175E

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 270V 10KA DISC 20MM

230
V480LU80CPX2855

V480LU80CPX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 750V 10KA DISC 20MM

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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