TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
MOV-07D330K

MOV-07D330K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 33V 250A DISC 7MM

2724

ZV35K2220102NIR1HT

ZV35K2220102NIR1HT

J.W. Miller / Bourns

ZV 35V 10% 2220 NI SN

1000

CG0603MLC-24LE

CG0603MLC-24LE

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 0603

3795

MOV-10D390KTR

MOV-10D390KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 39V 500A DISC 10MM

0

CGA0402MLC-05G

CGA0402MLC-05G

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 0402

12673

MOV-10D330KTR

MOV-10D330KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 33V 500A DISC 10MM

965

CVQ275K14BL1

CVQ275K14BL1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

CVQ 275VRMS 14MM BULK L1

0

AV30K1210401NIR1HT

AV30K1210401NIR1HT

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR

2108

SV300K7BL1

SV300K7BL1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

SV 300VRMS 7MM BULK L1

0

MOV-10D151K

MOV-10D151K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 150V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

0

MOV-14D470KTR

MOV-14D470KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 47V 1KA DISC 14MM

0

AV17K1812801NIR1

AV17K1812801NIR1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR

930

ZV14K0805121NIR1HT

ZV14K0805121NIR1HT

J.W. Miller / Bourns

ZV 14V 10% 0805 NI SN

3645

MOV-07D621KTR

MOV-07D621KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 620V 1.2KA DISC 7MM

11009

MOV-07D511KTR

MOV-07D511KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 510V 1.2KA DISC 7MM

0

MOV-10D820KTR

MOV-10D820KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 82V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

746

MOV-14D751KTR

MOV-14D751KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 750V 4.5KA DISC 14MM

0

DV25K4032R2

DV25K4032R2

J.W. Miller / Bourns

DV SERIES 25V 4032 PKG SMD VARIS

2000

SV275K14BL1

SV275K14BL1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

SV 275VRMS 14MM BULK L1

0

MOV-14D431KTR

MOV-14D431KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 430V 4.5KA DISC 14MM

4906

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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