TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
V390ZA05PX2855

V390ZA05PX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 390V 400A DISC 5MM

0

TMOV25SP300M

TMOV25SP300M

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 470V 20KA SQUARE 28MM

174

V47ZC3P

V47ZC3P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 47V 500A DISC 10MM

0

V175LT20CPX2855

V175LT20CPX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 270V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V07P14P

V07P14P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 22V 1KA DISC 7MM

0

V230LA20CP

V230LA20CP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 360V 6.5KA DISC 14MM

0

V39ZA20PX1347

V39ZA20PX1347

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 39V 2KA DISC 20MM

0

TMOV25SP420E

TMOV25SP420E

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 680V 20KA SQUARE 28MM

100

V250LU20CP

V250LU20CP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 390V 6.5KA DISC 14MM

0

V480LA40APX1347

V480LA40APX1347

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 750V 4.5KA DISC 14MM

0

V42MLA1206NT

V42MLA1206NT

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 53V 180A 1206

0

V625LU80CPX10

V625LU80CPX10

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 1KV 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V230LU10CP

V230LU10CP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 360V 3.5KA DISC 10MM

0

V120ZT1P

V120ZT1P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 120V 1.2KA DISC 7MM

0

SMOV25S301NP

SMOV25S301NP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 470V 20KA BOX 5 LEAD

0

V18MLE1206NA

V18MLE1206NA

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 25V 1206

0

V3.5MLA0805LNH

V3.5MLA0805LNH

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 5.35V 40A 0805

0

V68ZT10P

V68ZT10P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 68V 1KA DISC 14MM

0

V321DHB34

V321DHB34

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 510V 40KA SQUARE 34MM

0

V250LC4P

V250LC4P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 390V 1.2KA DISC 7MM

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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