TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
V230LA20CPX2855

V230LA20CPX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 360V 6.5KA DISC 14MM

0

V47ZA1P

V47ZA1P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 47V 250A DISC 7MM

10005

V320LS40CP

V320LS40CP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 510V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V751DHB34

V751DHB34

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 1.2KV 40KA SQUARE 34MM

0

TMOV25SP250M

TMOV25SP250M

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 390V 20KA SQUARE 28MM

553

V660LS80CPX10

V660LS80CPX10

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 1.08KV 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V150LS20AP

V150LS20AP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 240V 6.5KA DISC 20MM

0

V10H175P

V10H175P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 270V 3.5KA DISC 10MM

0

V460LA7P

V460LA7P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 715V 1.2KA DISC 7MM

0

V150LT1P

V150LT1P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 250V 1.2KA DISC 7MM

0

TMOV14RP130E

TMOV14RP130E

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 205V 6KA DISC 14MM

600

V18MLE0805LH

V18MLE0805LH

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 25V 0805

8851

V39CH8S

V39CH8S

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 39V 100A 2SMD NO LEAD

0

TMOV14RP275EL3T7

TMOV14RP275EL3T7

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 430V 6KA DISC 14MM

0

V550LU80CP

V550LU80CP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 880V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V30MLA0603NR

V30MLA0603NR

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 41.5V 30A 0603

0

V14E420PL2T7

V14E420PL2T7

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 680V 6KA DISC 14MM

0

TMOV34S621EP

TMOV34S621EP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 1KV 40KA SQUARE 34MM

0

V3.5MLA0805LH

V3.5MLA0805LH

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 5.35V 40A 0805

2

V275LA2P

V275LA2P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 450V 1.2KA DISC 7MM

3962

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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