TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
V480LC80CPX2855

V480LC80CPX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 750V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V05P17P

V05P17P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 27V 500A DISC 5MM

0

V120ZT05P

V120ZT05P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 120V 400A DISC 5MM

0

V47ZT1P

V47ZT1P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 47V 250A DISC 7MM

720

V18MLE0805NH

V18MLE0805NH

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 25V 0805

0

V8ZT1P

V8ZT1P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 8.5V 100A DISC 7MM

0

V385LC40CPX2855

V385LC40CPX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 620V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V150LS20BP

V150LS20BP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 229.5V 6.5KA DISC 20MM

0

V571DA40

V571DA40

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 910V 40KA ENCASED DISC

34

V250LC40CPX620

V250LC40CPX620

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 383.5V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

TMOV20RP300M

TMOV20RP300M

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 470V 10KA DISC 20MM

1811

TMOV34S351MPX2696

TMOV34S351MPX2696

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 560V 40KA SQUARE 34MM

0

V14P300P

V14P300P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 470V 6KA DISC 14MM

0

V10H385P

V10H385P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 620V 3.5KA DISC 10MM

0

V111HB34

V111HB34

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 173V 40KA SQUARE 34MM

0

V271HC40

V271HC40

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 430V 40KA DISC 40MM

0

V5.5MLN41206WH

V5.5MLN41206WH

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 8.95V 30A 1206

640

V460LS40CP

V460LS40CP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 715V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V320LA10CP

V320LA10CP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 510V 3.5KA DISC 10MM

0

V100ZS05P

V100ZS05P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 100V 400A DISC 5MM

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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