TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
MOV-20D820KTR

MOV-20D820KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 82V 6.5KA DISC 20MM

0

MOV-10D471KTR

MOV-10D471KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 470V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

51399

MOV-20D180K

MOV-20D180K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 18V 2KA DISC 20MM

0

MOV-20D561KTR

MOV-20D561KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 560V 6.5KA DISC 20MM

1946

MOV-14D220KTR

MOV-14D220KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 22V 1KA DISC 14MM

0

ZV17K0805121NIR1

ZV17K0805121NIR1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR SMD

3500

ZV25K2220122NIR1HT

ZV25K2220122NIR1HT

J.W. Miller / Bourns

ZV 25V 10% 2220 NI SN

5650

MOV-07D391K

MOV-07D391K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 390V 1.2KA DISC 7MM

4369

AV17K0805121NIR1HT

AV17K0805121NIR1HT

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR

3500

CG0603MLA-5.5ME

CG0603MLA-5.5ME

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 8V 30A 0603

436864

SV275K23BL1

SV275K23BL1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

SV 275VRMS 23MM BULK L1

0

MOV-20D361KTR

MOV-20D361KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 360V 6.5KA DISC 20MM

0

MOV-10D361K

MOV-10D361K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 360V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

55

CVQ550K23BL1

CVQ550K23BL1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

CVQ 550VRMS 23MM BULK L1

0

MOV-07D180K

MOV-07D180K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 18V 250A DISC 7MM

1690

DV30K3225R2

DV30K3225R2

J.W. Miller / Bourns

DV SERIES 30V 3225 PKG SMD VARIS

0

ZV40K2220102NIR1

ZV40K2220102NIR1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR SMD

9798

PV115K3225R2

PV115K3225R2

J.W. Miller / Bourns

PV SERIES 115V 3225 PKG

1500

MOV-10D220KTR

MOV-10D220KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 22V 500A DISC 10MM

0

CGA1206MLA-26601E

CGA1206MLA-26601E

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 33.5V 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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