TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
V250LT20CP

V250LT20CP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 390V 6.5KA DISC 14MM

0

V10E25P

V10E25P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 39V 2KA DISC 10MM

765

V14MLA0603NA

V14MLA0603NA

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 18.7V 30A 0603

0

V10E300P

V10E300P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 470V 3.5KA DISC 10MM

19946

TMOV14RP175M

TMOV14RP175M

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 270V 6KA DISC 14MM

0

V30MLA0603NA

V30MLA0603NA

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 41.5V 30A 0603

0

V275LA10CPX2855

V275LA10CPX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 430V 3.5KA DISC 10MM

0

V300LU40CPX2855

V300LU40CPX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 470V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V47ZS1PX1347

V47ZS1PX1347

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 47V 250A DISC 7MM

0

V68MA3A

V68MA3A

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 68V 40A SOD83A AXIAL

0

V275LC10P

V275LC10P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 430V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

0

V240CH8S

V240CH8S

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 240V 250A 2SMD NO LEAD

0

V180ZT1P

V180ZT1P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 180V 1.2KA DISC 7MM

0

V140LS20CP

V140LS20CP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 220V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

SMOV25S321MP

SMOV25S321MP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 510V 20KA BOX 5 LEAD

0

V420LT40CPX10

V420LT40CPX10

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 680V 10KA DISC 20MM

0

V511DHB34

V511DHB34

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 820V 40KA SQUARE 34MM

0

V130LT20AP

V130LT20AP

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 205V 6.5KA DISC 20MM

150010000

V250LC20CPX2855

V250LC20CPX2855

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 390V 6.5KA DISC 14MM

0

V275LT10P

V275LT10P

Wickmann / Littelfuse

VARISTOR 430V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

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
RFQ BOM Call Skype Email
Top