TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
CVQ275K7BL1

CVQ275K7BL1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

CVQ 275VRMS 7MM BULK L1

0

ZV11K1206201NIR1HT

ZV11K1206201NIR1HT

J.W. Miller / Bourns

ZV 11V 10% 1206 NI SN

3935

ZV40K2220102NIR1HT

ZV40K2220102NIR1HT

J.W. Miller / Bourns

ZV 40V 10% 2220 NI SN

807

CG0603MLA-26KE

CG0603MLA-26KE

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 31V 30A 0603

4000

MOV-07D390K

MOV-07D390K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 39V 250A DISC 7MM

7488

SV550K23BL1

SV550K23BL1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

SV 550VRMS 23MM BULK L1

0

DV20K4032R2

DV20K4032R2

J.W. Miller / Bourns

DV SERIES 20V 4032 PKG SMD VARIS

0

AV30K1812801NIR1

AV30K1812801NIR1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR

0

MOV-07D180KTR

MOV-07D180KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 18V 250A DISC 7MM

0

MOV-20D301KTR

MOV-20D301KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 300V 6.5KA DISC 20MM

0

PV250K3225R2

PV250K3225R2

J.W. Miller / Bourns

PV SERIES 250V 3225 PKG

925

CG0603MLC-3.3LEA

CG0603MLC-3.3LEA

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 0603

4960

DV20K3225R2

DV20K3225R2

J.W. Miller / Bourns

DV SERIES 20V 3225 PKG SMD VARIS

0

CV150K5BL1

CV150K5BL1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

CV 150VRMS 5MM BULK L1

0

SV550K14BL1

SV550K14BL1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

SV 550VRMS 14MM BULK L1

0

AV30K1206201NIR1HT

AV30K1206201NIR1HT

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR

2500

MOV-07D181K

MOV-07D181K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 180V 1.2KA DISC 7MM

3278

DV50K3225R2

DV50K3225R2

J.W. Miller / Bourns

DV SERIES 50V 3225 PKG SMD VARIS

0

CG0402MLU-24G

CG0402MLU-24G

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 0402

21491

MOV-10D681KTR

MOV-10D681KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 680V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

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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