TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
PV300K4032R2

PV300K4032R2

J.W. Miller / Bourns

PV SERIES 300V 4032 PKG

740

MOV-07D221K

MOV-07D221K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 220V 1.2KA DISC 7MM

887

MOV-10D121K

MOV-10D121K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 120V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

0

CGA0805MLA-16401E

CGA0805MLA-16401E

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 25V 120A 0805

0

DV115K3225R2

DV115K3225R2

J.W. Miller / Bourns

DV SERIES 115V 3225 PKG SMD VARI

0

AV17K1206201NIR1

AV17K1206201NIR1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR

7406

MOV-10D331K

MOV-10D331K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 330V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

0

MOV-14D911K

MOV-14D911K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 910V 4.5KA DISC 14MM

832

SV275K10BL1

SV275K10BL1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

SV 275VRMS 10MM BULK L1

0

CVQ150K20BL1

CVQ150K20BL1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

CVQ 150VRMS 20MM BULK L1

0

AV20K1206201NIR1

AV20K1206201NIR1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR

2457

MOV-07D431K

MOV-07D431K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 430V 1.2KA DISC 7MM

0

ZV60K1206121NIR1HT

ZV60K1206121NIR1HT

J.W. Miller / Bourns

ZV 60V 10% 1206 NI SN

1820

MOV-14D101K

MOV-14D101K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 100V 4.5KA DISC 14MM

4885

MOV-07D681K

MOV-07D681K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 680V 1.2KA DISC 7MM

1794

PV140K3225R2

PV140K3225R2

J.W. Miller / Bourns

PV SERIES 140V 3225 PKG

1470

MOV-14D560K

MOV-14D560K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 56V 1KA DISC 14MM

4861

ZV11K0603300NIR1HT

ZV11K0603300NIR1HT

J.W. Miller / Bourns

ZV 11V 10% 0603 NI SN

3847

MOV-07D471KTR

MOV-07D471KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 470V 1.2KA DISC 7MM

0

MOV-14D361KTR

MOV-14D361KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 360V 4.5KA DISC 14MM

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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