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TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
MOV-10D270K

MOV-10D270K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 27V 500A DISC 10MM

45
CGA0603MLA-32120E

CGA0603MLA-32120E

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 61.45V 5A 0603

3606
CGA0603MLA-17300E

CGA0603MLA-17300E

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 28V 2A 0603

0
ZV20K1812801NIR1HT

ZV20K1812801NIR1HT

J.W. Miller / Bourns

ZV 20V 10% 1812 NI SN

987
MOV-20D181K

MOV-20D181K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 180V 6.5KA DISC 20MM

155
ZV30K1812801NIR1

ZV30K1812801NIR1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR SMD

0
ZV30K1206201NIR1HT

ZV30K1206201NIR1HT

J.W. Miller / Bourns

ZV 30V 10% 1206 NI SN

0
CVQ550K10BL1

CVQ550K10BL1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

CVQ 550VRMS 10MM BULK L1

0
CGA1206MLA-16701E

CGA1206MLA-16701E

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 22.5V 200A 1206

0
CG0201MLA-5.5MH

CG0201MLA-5.5MH

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 11V 0201

13904
PV175K4032R2

PV175K4032R2

J.W. Miller / Bourns

PV SERIES 175V 4032 PKG

876
SV275K7BL1

SV275K7BL1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

SV 275VRMS 7MM BULK L1

0
CV275K10BL1

CV275K10BL1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

CV 275VRMS 10MM BULK L1

0
DV150K3225R2

DV150K3225R2

J.W. Miller / Bourns

DV SERIES 150V 3225 PKG SMD VARI

1990
AV17K2220122NIR1

AV17K2220122NIR1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR

920
MOV-20D781KTR

MOV-20D781KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 780V 6.5KA DISC 20MM

0
CV275K5BL1

CV275K5BL1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

CV 275VRMS 5MM BULK L1

0
MOV-20D221KTR

MOV-20D221KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 220V 6.5KA DISC 20MM

0
MOV-20D560K

MOV-20D560K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 56V 2KA DISC 20MM

0
CGA0603MLA-22161E

CGA0603MLA-22161E

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 27.5V 30A 0603

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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