The difference between TVS Diode and varistor

The difference between TVS Diode and varistor.

TVS diodes are small in size and fast in reaction time, and are often used in the field of power supply circuits, so what is the difference between TVS diodes and varistors?

1. TVS transistors and varistors do not have switching characteristics like switching elements, but have voltage-stabilizing characteristics like voltage-stabilizing diodes.

Second, the varistor can withstand greater surge current, and the larger the volume, the greater the surge current, which can reach tens of kA to hundreds of kA;, but the nonlinear characteristic of the varistor is poor, the limiting voltage is higher at high current, and the leakage current is larger at low voltage.

Third, the nonlinear characteristic of TVS transistor is the same as that of voltage regulator, the leakage current before breakdown is very small, and after breakdown it is a standard voltage stabilizer. Compared with varistors, the clamping voltage of TVS transistors deviates less from breakdown voltage, which is better than varistors, but the current capacity is smaller than varistors.

4. From the point of view of the reaction speed, the reaction speed of TVS diodee is ps grade, while the reaction speed of varistor is slow, which is ns grade. In addition, both have large capacitance (TVS transistors also have low capacitance products).

Fifth, the TVS pipe has high reliability, not easy to deteriorate, and long service life. On the other hand, the varistor has poor reliability, easy aging and short service life.