TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
MOV-10D271KTR

MOV-10D271KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 270V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

14148

DV230K3225R2

DV230K3225R2

J.W. Miller / Bourns

DV SERIES 230V 3225 PKG SMD VARI

12000

MOV-10D751K

MOV-10D751K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 750V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

0

MOV-14D101KTR

MOV-14D101KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 100V 4.5KA DISC 14MM

1405

PV230K4032R2

PV230K4032R2

J.W. Miller / Bourns

PV SERIES 230V 4032 PKG

887

AV14K1812801NIR1

AV14K1812801NIR1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR

975

MOV-10D511KTR

MOV-10D511KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 510V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

1669

MOV-07D271K

MOV-07D271K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 270V 1.2KA DISC 7MM

1190

MOV-07D241KTR

MOV-07D241KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 240V 1.2KA DISC 7MM

17192

CG0603MLC-24LEA

CG0603MLC-24LEA

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 0603

0

DV130K4032R2

DV130K4032R2

J.W. Miller / Bourns

DV SERIES 130V 4032 PKG SMD VARI

1948

AV30K1812801NIR1HT

AV30K1812801NIR1HT

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR

6000

SV550K20BL1

SV550K20BL1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

SV 550VRMS 20MM BULK L1

0

CGA0603MLA-22101E

CGA0603MLA-22101E

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 27.5V 30A 0603

0

ZV20K2220122NIR1HT

ZV20K2220122NIR1HT

J.W. Miller / Bourns

ZV 20V 10% 2220 NI SN

0

DV14K4032R2

DV14K4032R2

J.W. Miller / Bourns

DV SERIES 14V 4032 PKG SMD VARIS

2000

MOV-07D471K

MOV-07D471K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 470V 1.2KA DISC 7MM

0

MOV-20D390KTR

MOV-20D390KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 39V 2KA DISC 20MM

0

DV275K4032R2

DV275K4032R2

J.W. Miller / Bourns

DV SERIES 275V 4032 PKG SMD VARI

6025

DV95K3225R2

DV95K3225R2

J.W. Miller / Bourns

DV SERIES 95V 3225 PKG SMD VARIS

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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