TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
MOV-10D301K

MOV-10D301K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 300V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

0

ZV25K0805121NIR1HT

ZV25K0805121NIR1HT

J.W. Miller / Bourns

ZV 25V 10% 0805 NI SN

5548

MOV-14D680K

MOV-14D680K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 68V 1KA DISC 14MM

109

PV130K4032R2

PV130K4032R2

J.W. Miller / Bourns

PV SERIES 130V 4032 PKG

843

MOV-10D121KTR

MOV-10D121KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 120V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

7946

CG0402MLC-3.3LGA

CG0402MLC-3.3LGA

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 0402

0

SV275K5BL1

SV275K5BL1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

SV 275VRMS 5MM BULK L1

0

DV40K3225R2

DV40K3225R2

J.W. Miller / Bourns

DV SERIES 40V 3225 PKG SMD VARIS

0

ZV35K1206121NIR1HT

ZV35K1206121NIR1HT

J.W. Miller / Bourns

ZV 35V 10% 1206 NI SN

2464

AV20K1210401NIR1

AV20K1210401NIR1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR

2500

ZV40K1812601NIR1

ZV40K1812601NIR1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR SMD

1860

MOV-10D301KTR

MOV-10D301KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 300V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

0

MOV-20D182K

MOV-20D182K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 1.8KV 6.5KA DISC 20MM

5153

MOV-14D431K

MOV-14D431K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 430V 4.5KA DISC 14MM

5202

MOV-20D180KTR

MOV-20D180KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 18V 2KA DISC 20MM

4929

DV275K3225R2

DV275K3225R2

J.W. Miller / Bourns

DV SERIES 275V 3225 PKG SMD VARI

1789

AV40K1812801NIR1

AV40K1812801NIR1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR

0

AV40K2220122NIR1

AV40K2220122NIR1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR

0

AV40K1206201NIR1

AV40K1206201NIR1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR

0

AV40K1210401NIR1

AV40K1210401NIR1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR

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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