TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
ZV20K0603300NIR1HT

ZV20K0603300NIR1HT

J.W. Miller / Bourns

ZV 20V 10% 0603 NI SN

3388

MOV-07D511K

MOV-07D511K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 510V 1.2KA DISC 7MM

2342

DV300K3225R2

DV300K3225R2

J.W. Miller / Bourns

DV SERIES 300V 3225 PKG SMD VARI

5572

MOV-07D220KTR

MOV-07D220KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 22V 250A DISC 7MM

2018

MOV-07D431KTR

MOV-07D431KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 430V 1.2KA DISC 7MM

0

CGA0603MLA-18101E

CGA0603MLA-18101E

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 22.5V 30A 0603

0

MOV-10D561KTR

MOV-10D561KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 560V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

0

CGA1206MLA-31551E

CGA1206MLA-31551E

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 39.5V 200A 1206

0

MOV-20D220KTR

MOV-20D220KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 22V 2KA DISC 20MM

0

CG0603MLC-05LE

CG0603MLC-05LE

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 0603

63416

MOV-14D681KTR

MOV-14D681KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 680V 4.5KA DISC 14MM

0

MOV-14D152K

MOV-14D152K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 1.2KV 4.5KA DISC 14MM

4515

MOV-20D181KTR

MOV-20D181KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 180V 6.5KA DISC 20MM

0

MOV-10D821K

MOV-10D821K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 820V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

0

DV300K4032R2

DV300K4032R2

J.W. Miller / Bourns

DV SERIES 300V 4032 PKG SMD VARI

0

MOV-10D151KTR

MOV-10D151KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 150V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

1717

MOV-14D680KTR

MOV-14D680KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 68V 1KA DISC 14MM

0

CV300K10BL1

CV300K10BL1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

CV 300VRMS 10MM BULK L1

0

DV250K3225R2

DV250K3225R2

J.W. Miller / Bourns

DV SERIES 250V 3225 PKG SMD VARI

1927

MOV-20D151KTR

MOV-20D151KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 150V 6.5KA DISC 20MM

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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