ample-chip ample-chip
RFQ
BOM

TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
CG0402MLC-12LG

CG0402MLC-12LG

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 0402

16019
CV150K10BL1

CV150K10BL1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

CV 150VRMS 10MM BULK L1

0
DV250K4032R2

DV250K4032R2

J.W. Miller / Bourns

DV SERIES 250V 4032 PKG SMD VARI

1990
MOV-20D391K

MOV-20D391K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 390V 6.5KA DISC 20MM

0
MOV-14D221K

MOV-14D221K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 220V 4.5KA DISC 14MM

0
CV275K14BL1

CV275K14BL1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

CV 275VRMS 14MM BULK L1

0
CG0805MLA-18KE

CG0805MLA-18KE

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 28V 5A 0805

0
ZV20K0603300NIR1

ZV20K0603300NIR1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR SMD

3070
MOV-10D241K

MOV-10D241K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 240V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

3796
DV35K4032R2

DV35K4032R2

J.W. Miller / Bourns

DV SERIES 35V 4032 PKG SMD VARIS

0
CGA0603MLA-31900E

CGA0603MLA-31900E

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 39.45V 30A 0603

3936
MOV-10D621KTR

MOV-10D621KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 620V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

0
MOV-10D220K

MOV-10D220K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 22V 500A DISC 10MM

750
MOV-10D201KTR

MOV-10D201KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 200V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

15642
MOV-10D431KTR

MOV-10D431KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 430V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

0
ZV50K1210251NIR1HT

ZV50K1210251NIR1HT

J.W. Miller / Bourns

ZV 50V 10% 1210 NI SN

2000
CG0402MLC-3.3LG

CG0402MLC-3.3LG

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 0402

95055
MOV-10D560KTR

MOV-10D560KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 56V 500A DISC 10MM

1583
CG0402MLC-05LGA

CG0402MLC-05LGA

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 0402

29763
CV275K7BL1

CV275K7BL1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

CV 275VRMS 7MM 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
RFQ BOM Call Skype Email
Top