TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
MOV-14D391K

MOV-14D391K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 390V 4.5KA DISC 14MM

0

CG0603MLC-12E

CG0603MLC-12E

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 0603

2780

ZV25K1206201NIR1

ZV25K1206201NIR1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR SMD

491

ZV14K0603300NIR1

ZV14K0603300NIR1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR SMD

3616

MOV-20D821KTR

MOV-20D821KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 820V 6.5KA DISC 20MM

0

MOV-14D361K

MOV-14D361K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 360V 4.5KA DISC 14MM

8490

CV275K20BL1

CV275K20BL1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

CV 275VRMS 20MM BULK L1

0

PV95K3225R2

PV95K3225R2

J.W. Miller / Bourns

PV SERIES 95V 3225 PKG

1500

MOV-07D330KTR

MOV-07D330KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 33V 250A DISC 7MM

0

ZV60K2220801NIR1HT

ZV60K2220801NIR1HT

J.W. Miller / Bourns

ZV 60V 10% 2220 NI SN

1000

MOV-20D911K

MOV-20D911K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 910V 6.5KA DISC 20MM

5764

MOV-14D151K

MOV-14D151K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 150V 4.5KA DISC 14MM

3337

PV275K3225R2

PV275K3225R2

J.W. Miller / Bourns

PV SERIES 275V 3225 PKG

980

PV150K3225R2

PV150K3225R2

J.W. Miller / Bourns

PV SERIES 150V 3225 PKG

1500

MOV-20D821K

MOV-20D821K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 820V 6.5KA DISC 20MM

0

MOV-20D201K

MOV-20D201K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 200V 6.5KA DISC 20MM

7332

ZV11K1210401NIR1

ZV11K1210401NIR1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR SMD

25

AV20K1210401NIR1HT

AV20K1210401NIR1HT

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR

2480

MOV-14D221KTR

MOV-14D221KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 220V 4.5KA DISC 14MM

0

MOV-10D751KTR

MOV-10D751KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 750V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

1275

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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