TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
CG0402MLC-24LGA

CG0402MLC-24LGA

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 0402

0

ZV60K1812401NIR1

ZV60K1812401NIR1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR SMD

6000

PV250K4032R2

PV250K4032R2

J.W. Miller / Bourns

PV SERIES 250V 4032 PKG

565

MOV-07D470KTR

MOV-07D470KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 47V 250A DISC 7MM

2000

ZV25K1206201NIR1HT

ZV25K1206201NIR1HT

J.W. Miller / Bourns

ZV 25V 10% 1206 NI SN

2197

DV40K4032R2

DV40K4032R2

J.W. Miller / Bourns

DV SERIES 40V 4032 PKG SMD VARIS

0

SV150K7BL1

SV150K7BL1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

SV 150VRMS 7MM BULK L1

0

CG0603MLC-12LEA

CG0603MLC-12LEA

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 0603

11883

MOV-07D151K

MOV-07D151K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 150V 1.2KA DISC 7MM

0

CG0603MLC-05LEA

CG0603MLC-05LEA

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 0603

15305

MOV-20D121KTR

MOV-20D121KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 120V 6.5KA DISC 20MM

0

CV300K7BL1

CV300K7BL1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

CV 300VRMS 7MM BULK L1

0

AV17K1206201NIR1HT

AV17K1206201NIR1HT

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR

2475

MOV-14D271K

MOV-14D271K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 270V 4.5KA DISC 14MM

1007

MOV-20D331K

MOV-20D331K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 330V 6.5KA DISC 20MM

0

CG0402MLC-05LG

CG0402MLC-05LG

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 0402

52772

MOV-07D820KTR

MOV-07D820KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 82V 1.2KA DISC 7MM

43997

CV300K20BL1

CV300K20BL1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

CV 300VRMS 20MM BULK L1

0

ZV40K1206121NIR1HT

ZV40K1206121NIR1HT

J.W. Miller / Bourns

ZV 40V 10% 1206 NI SN

2325

CVQ300K20BL1

CVQ300K20BL1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

CVQ 300VRMS 20MM 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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