TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
MOV-20D680K

MOV-20D680K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 68V 2KA DISC 20MM

2045

ZV35K1206121NIR1

ZV35K1206121NIR1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR SMD

11980

AV20K1812801NIR1HT

AV20K1812801NIR1HT

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR

1000

CVQ150K14BL1

CVQ150K14BL1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

CVQ 150VRMS 14MM BULK L1

0

ZV30K1812801NIR1HT

ZV30K1812801NIR1HT

J.W. Miller / Bourns

ZV 30V 10% 1812 NI SN

0

MOV-14D781KTR

MOV-14D781KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 780V 4.5KA DISC 14MM

1805

MOV-20D431K

MOV-20D431K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 430V 6.5KA DISC 20MM

0

CG0402MLA-14LG

CG0402MLA-14LG

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 18V 20A 0402

35600

MOV-14D301K

MOV-14D301K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 300V 4.5KA DISC 14MM

0

CVQ550K14BL1

CVQ550K14BL1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

CVQ 550VRMS 14MM BULK L1

0

MOV-07D270K

MOV-07D270K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 27V 250A DISC 7MM

681

MOV-14D181K

MOV-14D181K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 180V 4.5KA DISC 14MM

3581

CG0603MLU-05E

CG0603MLU-05E

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 0603

13745

DV60K4032R2

DV60K4032R2

J.W. Miller / Bourns

DV SERIES 60V 4032 PKG SMD VARIS

2000

AV17K1210401NIR1HT

AV17K1210401NIR1HT

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR

2494

MOV-20D101KTR

MOV-20D101KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 100V 6.5KA DISC 20MM

2568

ZV20K0805121NIR1HT

ZV20K0805121NIR1HT

J.W. Miller / Bourns

ZV 20V 10% 0805 NI SN

3422

CGA0603MLA-19161E

CGA0603MLA-19161E

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 28V 20A 0603

0

CGA0603MLC-05E

CGA0603MLC-05E

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 0603

2

DV115K4032R2

DV115K4032R2

J.W. Miller / Bourns

DV SERIES 115V 4032 PKG SMD VARI

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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