TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
MOV-20D471K

MOV-20D471K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 470V 6.5KA DISC 20MM

0

CVQ150K7BL1

CVQ150K7BL1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

CVQ 150VRMS 7MM BULK L1

0

MOV-14D201K

MOV-14D201K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 200V 4.5KA DISC 14MM

5364

CG0603MLC-05E

CG0603MLC-05E

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 0603

110331

SV300K20BL1

SV300K20BL1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

SV 300VRMS 20MM BULK L1

0

MOV-20D241KTR

MOV-20D241KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 240V 6.5KA DISC 20MM

0

MOV-10D331KTR

MOV-10D331KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 330V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

0

MOV-10D781KTR

MOV-10D781KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 780V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

1941

MOV-20D271K

MOV-20D271K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 270V 6.5KA DISC 20MM

0

AV40K2220122NIR1HT

AV40K2220122NIR1HT

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR

0

MOV-07D751KTR

MOV-07D751KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 750V 1.2KA DISC 7MM

5599

CGA1206MLA-22651E

CGA1206MLA-22651E

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 27.5V 200A 1206

0

MOV-14D180K

MOV-14D180K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 18V 1KA DISC 14MM

0

ZV25K0603300NIR1

ZV25K0603300NIR1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR SMD

2300

MOV-10D201K

MOV-10D201K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 200V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

1402

AV20K2220122NIR1

AV20K2220122NIR1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR

725

ZV30K0805121NIR1HT

ZV30K0805121NIR1HT

J.W. Miller / Bourns

ZV 30V 10% 0805 NI SN

2940

CGA0603MLA-16150E

CGA0603MLA-16150E

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 28.6V 5A 0603

0

ZV17K1210401NIR1

ZV17K1210401NIR1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR SMD

9324

MOV-10D511K

MOV-10D511K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 510V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

3928

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
RFQ BOM Call Skype Email
Top