TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
CGA0603MLA-22750E

CGA0603MLA-22750E

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 33V 30A 0603

0

CGA0603MLA-26800E

CGA0603MLA-26800E

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 36.5V 30A 0603

0

MOV-10D180K

MOV-10D180K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 18V 500A DISC 10MM

713

MOV-07D680KTR

MOV-07D680KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 68V 250A DISC 7MM

0

DV30K4032R2

DV30K4032R2

J.W. Miller / Bourns

DV SERIES 30V 4032 PKG SMD VARIS

0

CG0603MLD-12E

CG0603MLD-12E

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 50V 0603

26757

MOV-20D470K

MOV-20D470K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 47V 2KA DISC 20MM

1623

DV17K4032R2

DV17K4032R2

J.W. Miller / Bourns

DV SERIES 17V 4032 PKG SMD VARIS

0

MOV-14D390KTR

MOV-14D390KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 39V 1KA DISC 14MM

7556

MOV-07D220K

MOV-07D220K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 22V 250A DISC 7MM

1250

CG0603MLU-12E

CG0603MLU-12E

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 0603

15739

MOV-14D820KTR

MOV-14D820KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 82V 4.5KA DISC 14MM

4081

MOV-14D241KTR

MOV-14D241KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 240V 4.5KA DISC 14MM

0

MOV-20D820K

MOV-20D820K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 82V 6.5KA DISC 20MM

0

ZV40K1812601NIR1HT

ZV40K1812601NIR1HT

J.W. Miller / Bourns

ZV 40V 10% 1812 NI SN

995

SV150K14BL1

SV150K14BL1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

SV 150VRMS 14MM BULK L1

0

MOV-10D101K

MOV-10D101K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 100V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

3428

MOV-20D751K

MOV-20D751K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 750V 6.5KA DISC 20MM

0

SV550K10BL1

SV550K10BL1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

SV 550VRMS 10MM BULK L1

0

MOV-14D681K

MOV-14D681K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 680V 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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