TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
V480LU80CPX10

V480LU80CPX10

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 750V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V175LA20AP

V175LA20AP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 270V 6.5KA DISC 20MM

1868

V131BA60

V131BA60

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 205V 50KA ENCASED DISC

0

V460LA7PX2855

V460LA7PX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 715V 1.2KA DISC 7MM

0

V180ZT05P

V180ZT05P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 180V 400A DISC 10MM

0

V140LT20CPX2855

V140LT20CPX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 220V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V575LC40AP

V575LC40AP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 910V 4.5KA DISC 14MM

0

V510LA80CPX10

V510LA80CPX10

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 820V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V175LT20CP

V175LT20CP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 270V 10KA DISC 20MM

2990

V20E130P

V20E130P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 205V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V10E385P

V10E385P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 620V 3.5KA DISC 10MM

0

V275LS40CPX680

V275LS40CPX680

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 421V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V230LA40CPX10

V230LA40CPX10

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 360V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V320LU40CP

V320LU40CP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 510V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V111DHB34

V111DHB34

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 173V 40KA SQUARE 34MM

0

V33ZS2P

V33ZS2P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 33V 500A DISC 10MM

0

V20E275P

V20E275P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 430V 10KA DISC 20MM

497

V130LC5PX2855

V130LC5PX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 205V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

0

V680LA100CP

V680LA100CP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 1.06KV 10KA DISC 20MM

200

V575LS40AP

V575LS40AP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 910V 4.5KA 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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