TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
DV230K4032R2

DV230K4032R2

J.W. Miller / Bourns

DV SERIES 230V 4032 PKG SMD VARI

3998

SV150K10BL1

SV150K10BL1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

SV 150VRMS 10MM BULK L1

0

MOV-07D201KTR

MOV-07D201KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 200V 1.2KA DISC 7MM

933

CGA0805MLA-22401E

CGA0805MLA-22401E

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 27.5V 120A 0805

0

MOV-20D271KTR

MOV-20D271KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 270V 6.5KA DISC 20MM

5687

MOV-20D201KTR

MOV-20D201KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 200V 6.5KA DISC 20MM

0

MOV-10D561K

MOV-10D561K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 560V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

0

MOV-07D221KTR

MOV-07D221KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 220V 1.2KA DISC 7MM

11430

MOV-20D681KTR

MOV-20D681KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 680V 6.5KA DISC 20MM

0

ZV25K1812801NIR1

ZV25K1812801NIR1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR SMD

961

ZV25K2220122NIR1

ZV25K2220122NIR1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR SMD

980

AV40K1210401NIR1HT

AV40K1210401NIR1HT

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR

0

ZV50K1206121NIR1HT

ZV50K1206121NIR1HT

J.W. Miller / Bourns

ZV 50V 10% 1206 NI SN

11475

MOV-20D561K

MOV-20D561K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 560V 6.5KA DISC 20MM

0

SV150K23BL1

SV150K23BL1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

SV 150VRMS 23MM BULK L1

0

MOV-14D511KTR

MOV-14D511KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 510V 4.5KA DISC 14MM

227

MOV-10D181K

MOV-10D181K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 180V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

0

ZV14K0603300NIR1HT

ZV14K0603300NIR1HT

J.W. Miller / Bourns

ZV 14V 10% 0603 NI SN

3951

MOV-07D101K

MOV-07D101K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 100V 1.2KA DISC 7MM

2161

CV150K14BL1

CV150K14BL1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

CV 150VRMS 14MM BULK L1

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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