TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
ZV17K1206201NIR1HT

ZV17K1206201NIR1HT

J.W. Miller / Bourns

ZV 17V 10% 1206 NI SN

2500

CV300K5BL1

CV300K5BL1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

CV 300VRMS 5MM BULK L1

0

MOV-14D621K

MOV-14D621K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 620V 4.5KA DISC 14MM

5581

MOV-14D102K

MOV-14D102K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 1KV 4.5KA DISC 14MM

21295

MOV-14D560KTR

MOV-14D560KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 56V 1KA DISC 14MM

6530

ZV30K2220122NIR1HT

ZV30K2220122NIR1HT

J.W. Miller / Bourns

ZV 30V 10% 2220 NI SN

775

MOV-10D470KTR

MOV-10D470KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 47V 500A DISC 10MM

2634

CV550K20BL1

CV550K20BL1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

CV 550VRMS 20MM BULK L1

0

MOV-14D390K

MOV-14D390K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 39V 1KA DISC 14MM

3155

DV75K4032R2

DV75K4032R2

J.W. Miller / Bourns

DV SERIES 75V 4032 PKG SMD VARIS

2000

ZV14K1206201NIR1HT

ZV14K1206201NIR1HT

J.W. Miller / Bourns

ZV 14V 10% 1206 NI SN

2605

AV30K2220122NIR1HT

AV30K2220122NIR1HT

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR

971

MOV-14D330KTR

MOV-14D330KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 33V 1KA DISC 14MM

2930

MOV-14D181KTR

MOV-14D181KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 180V 4.5KA DISC 14MM

0

MOV-14D121K

MOV-14D121K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 120V 4.5KA DISC 14MM

3292

ZV50K1812401NIR1HT

ZV50K1812401NIR1HT

J.W. Miller / Bourns

ZV 50V 10% 1812 NI SN

950

MOV-10D680K

MOV-10D680K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 68V 500A DISC 10MM

0

ZV30K2220122NIR1

ZV30K2220122NIR1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR SMD

895

PV175K3225R2

PV175K3225R2

J.W. Miller / Bourns

PV SERIES 175V 3225 PKG

990

CGA1206MLA-40181E

CGA1206MLA-40181E

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 70V 200A 1206

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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