TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
MOV-07D751K

MOV-07D751K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 750V 1.2KA DISC 7MM

8133

MOV-20D221K

MOV-20D221K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 220V 6.5KA DISC 20MM

0

CV150K20BL1

CV150K20BL1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

CV 150VRMS 20MM BULK L1

0

ZV14K0805121NIR1

ZV14K0805121NIR1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR SMD

4000

CV300K14BL1

CV300K14BL1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

CV 300VRMS 14MM BULK L1

0

CVQ300K10BL1

CVQ300K10BL1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

CVQ 300VRMS 10MM BULK L1

0

SV150K5BL1

SV150K5BL1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

SV 150VRMS 5MM BULK L1

0

MOV-10D820K

MOV-10D820K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 82V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

57

ZV17K0603300NIR1

ZV17K0603300NIR1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR SMD

3426

ZV17K0603300NIR1HT

ZV17K0603300NIR1HT

J.W. Miller / Bourns

ZV 17V 10% 0603 NI SN

3500

MOV-20D781K

MOV-20D781K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 780V 6.5KA DISC 20MM

0

MOV-10D781K

MOV-10D781K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 780V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

2529

CVQ300K23BL1

CVQ300K23BL1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

CVQ 300VRMS 23MM BULK L1

0

MOV-07D470K

MOV-07D470K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 47V 250A DISC 7MM

0

MOV-07D390KTR

MOV-07D390KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 39V 250A DISC 7MM

99

DV95K4032R2

DV95K4032R2

J.W. Miller / Bourns

DV SERIES 95V 4032 PKG SMD VARIS

0

DV175K3225R2

DV175K3225R2

J.W. Miller / Bourns

DV SERIES 175V 3225 PKG SMD VARI

0

MOV-10D560K

MOV-10D560K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 56V 500A DISC 10MM

2000

MOV-07D121KTR

MOV-07D121KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 120V 1.2KA DISC 7MM

531

DV50K4032R2

DV50K4032R2

J.W. Miller / Bourns

DV SERIES 50V 4032 PKG SMD VARIS

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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