TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
V130LU10CP

V130LU10CP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 205V 6.5KA DISC 14MM

0

V300LA40CPX10X2855

V300LA40CPX10X2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 470V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V07E460PL1T

V07E460PL1T

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 750V 1.75KA DISC 7MM

0

V82ZS4PX2855

V82ZS4PX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 82V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

0

V320LU40CPX2855

V320LU40CPX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 510V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V625LT80CPX2855

V625LT80CPX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 1KV 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V230LC20CP

V230LC20CP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 360V 6.5KA DISC 14MM

0

V12MLA0805LNH

V12MLA0805LNH

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 16.25V 40A 0805

23019

TMOV25SP460E

TMOV25SP460E

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 750V 20KA SQUARE 28MM

0

V510LA80CPX2855

V510LA80CPX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 820V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

TMOV14RP230EL2T7

TMOV14RP230EL2T7

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 360V 6KA DISC 14MM

0

V230LU10CPX2855

V230LU10CPX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 360V 3.5KA DISC 10MM

0

V100ZT05P

V100ZT05P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 100V 400A DISC 5MM

0

V205ZA05P

V205ZA05P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 205V 400A DISC 5MM

0

V10E17P

V10E17P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 27V 2KA DISC 10MM

0

V320LC40BP

V320LC40BP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 501V 6.5KA DISC 20MM

0

SMOV34S181MP

SMOV34S181MP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 284V 40KA BOX 5 LEAD

0

V10E40P

V10E40P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 68V 2KA DISC 10MM

3000

V14MLA0805NH

V14MLA0805NH

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 18.1V 120A 0805

16086

V320LA20CPX1347

V320LA20CPX1347

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 510V 6.5KA DISC 14MM

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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