TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
MOV-07D151KTR

MOV-07D151KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 150V 1.2KA DISC 7MM

4000

CV550K10BL1

CV550K10BL1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

CV 550VRMS 10MM BULK L1

0

CVQ275K20BL1

CVQ275K20BL1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

CVQ 275VRMS 20MM BULK L1

0

MOV-14D471KTR

MOV-14D471KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 470V 4.5KA DISC 14MM

5107

AV17K1812801NIR1HT

AV17K1812801NIR1HT

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR

1000

CGA1206MLA-16801E

CGA1206MLA-16801E

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 25V 200A 1206

0

AV14K0805121NIR1HT

AV14K0805121NIR1HT

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR

3470

MOV-14D511K

MOV-14D511K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 510V 4.5KA DISC 14MM

9444

PV300K3225R2

PV300K3225R2

J.W. Miller / Bourns

PV SERIES 300V 3225 PKG

6250

PV75K4032R2

PV75K4032R2

J.W. Miller / Bourns

PV SERIES 75V 4032 PKG

975

DV140K3225R2

DV140K3225R2

J.W. Miller / Bourns

DV SERIES 140V 3225 PKG SMD VARI

0

MOV-10D330K

MOV-10D330K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 33V 500A DISC 10MM

0

ZV25K1812801NIR1HT

ZV25K1812801NIR1HT

J.W. Miller / Bourns

ZV 25V 10% 1812 NI SN

5945

MOV-20D511KTR

MOV-20D511KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 510V 6.5KA DISC 20MM

0

CG0603MLU-24E

CG0603MLU-24E

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 0603

126

MOV-20D112K

MOV-20D112K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 1.1KV 6.5KA DISC 20MM

0

DV25K3225R2

DV25K3225R2

J.W. Miller / Bourns

DV SERIES 25V 3225 PKG SMD VARIS

1000

MOV-10D221KTR

MOV-10D221KTR

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 220V 2.5KA DISC 10MM

0

CVQ550K20BL1

CVQ550K20BL1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

CVQ 550VRMS 20MM BULK L1

0

CGA0603MLA-22500E

CGA0603MLA-22500E

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 27.5V 10A 0603

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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