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TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
MOV-20D102K

MOV-20D102K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 1KV 6.5KA DISC 20MM

0
MOV-10D391KTR

MOV-10D391KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 390V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

42
ZV50K1812401NIR1

ZV50K1812401NIR1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR SMD

986
MOV-07D301KTR

MOV-07D301KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 300V 1.2KA DISC 7MM

441
ZV30K1210301NIR1

ZV30K1210301NIR1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR SMD

7950
CGA0603MLA-16121E

CGA0603MLA-16121E

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 25V 30A 0603

0
ZV25K0603300NIR1HT

ZV25K0603300NIR1HT

J.W. Miller / Bourns

ZV 25V 10% 0603 NI SN

3430
AV14K1206201NIR1HT

AV14K1206201NIR1HT

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR

2490
MOV-10D181KTR

MOV-10D181KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 180V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

0
ZV17K0805121NIR1HT

ZV17K0805121NIR1HT

J.W. Miller / Bourns

ZV 17V 10% 0805 NI SN

3450
MOV-14D270KTR

MOV-14D270KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 27V 1KA DISC 14MM

0
MOV-20D220K

MOV-20D220K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 22V 2KA DISC 20MM

8685
CG0402MLA-5.5MG

CG0402MLA-5.5MG

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 8V 20A 0402

48109
MOV-10D221K

MOV-10D221K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 220V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

0
ZV20K1206201NIR1HT

ZV20K1206201NIR1HT

J.W. Miller / Bourns

ZV 20V 10% 1206 NI SN

14375
CG0402MLC-24LG

CG0402MLC-24LG

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 0402

29735
CGA1206MLA-22841E

CGA1206MLA-22841E

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 27V 100A 1206

0
MOV-20D270K

MOV-20D270K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 27V 2KA DISC 20MM

0
CGA0402MLC-24G

CGA0402MLC-24G

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 0402

44423
ZV25K1210401NIR1HT

ZV25K1210401NIR1HT

J.W. Miller / Bourns

ZV 25V 10% 1210 NI SN

9828

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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