TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
MOV-20D301K

MOV-20D301K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 300V 6.5KA DISC 20MM

0

MOV-14D331KTR

MOV-14D331KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 330V 4.5KA DISC 14MM

0

CGA0805MLA-18351E

CGA0805MLA-18351E

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 22.5V 120A 0805

0

PV115K4032R2

PV115K4032R2

J.W. Miller / Bourns

PV SERIES 115V 4032 PKG

1000

CGA0805MLA-26221E

CGA0805MLA-26221E

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 33.5V 80A 0805

0

MOV-20D330KTR

MOV-20D330KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 33V 2KA DISC 20MM

0

AV40K1812801NIR1HT

AV40K1812801NIR1HT

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR

0

MOV-10D621K

MOV-10D621K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 620V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

13604

MOV-07D821KTR

MOV-07D821KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 820V 1.2KA DISC 7MM

142

AV14K1206201NIR1

AV14K1206201NIR1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR

1495

MOV-20D330K

MOV-20D330K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 33V 2KA DISC 20MM

0

AV30K2220122NIR1

AV30K2220122NIR1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR

2360

CG0402MLE-18G

CG0402MLE-18G

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 0402

10571

CG0603MLU-3.3E

CG0603MLU-3.3E

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 0603

18751

SV150K20BL1

SV150K20BL1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

SV 150VRMS 20MM BULK L1

0

PV140K4032R2

PV140K4032R2

J.W. Miller / Bourns

PV SERIES 140V 4032 PKG

975

SV300K23BL1

SV300K23BL1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

SV 300VRMS 23MM BULK L1

0

MOV-20D391KTR

MOV-20D391KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 390V 6.5KA DISC 20MM

0

MOV-10D270KTR

MOV-10D270KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 27V 500A DISC 10MM

0

AV20K1206201NIR1HT

AV20K1206201NIR1HT

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR

2498

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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