TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
CG0603MLE-18E

CG0603MLE-18E

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 0603

1207

CG0603MLA-18KE

CG0603MLA-18KE

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 22V 30A 0603

1993145

ZV35K1812601NIR1

ZV35K1812601NIR1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR SMD

1000

DV140K4032R2

DV140K4032R2

J.W. Miller / Bourns

DV SERIES 140V 4032 PKG SMD VARI

0

PV60K4032R2

PV60K4032R2

J.W. Miller / Bourns

PV SERIES 60V 4032 PKG

1000

ZV60K2220801NIR1

ZV60K2220801NIR1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR SMD

995

MOV-07D681KTR

MOV-07D681KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 680V 1.2KA DISC 7MM

297

MOV-14D391KTR

MOV-14D391KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 390V 4.5KA DISC 14MM

4744

AV14K2220122NIR1HT

AV14K2220122NIR1HT

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR

990

DV150K4032R2

DV150K4032R2

J.W. Miller / Bourns

DV SERIES 150V 4032 PKG SMD VARI

2000

CG0402MLU-05G

CG0402MLU-05G

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 0402

2456

MOV-20D471KTR

MOV-20D471KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 470V 6.5KA DISC 20MM

0

MOV-14D821KTR

MOV-14D821KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 820V 4.5KA DISC 14MM

0

CGA0603MLC-24E

CGA0603MLC-24E

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 0603

9123

MOV-07D560K

MOV-07D560K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 56V 250A DISC 7MM

0

MOV-20D270KTR

MOV-20D270KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 27V 2KA DISC 20MM

6011

DV75K3225R2

DV75K3225R2

J.W. Miller / Bourns

DV SERIES 75V 3225 PKG SMD VARIS

1988

MOV-10D431K

MOV-10D431K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 430V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

217

MOV-20D680KTR

MOV-20D680KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 68V 2KA DISC 20MM

0

AV40K1206201NIR1HT

AV40K1206201NIR1HT

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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