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TVS - Varistors, MOVs

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
PV230K3225R2

PV230K3225R2

J.W. Miller / Bourns

PV SERIES 230V 3225 PKG

965
MOV-20D621K

MOV-20D621K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 620V 6.5KA DISC 20MM

0
MOV-20D121K

MOV-20D121K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 120V 6.5KA DISC 20MM

0
AV17K2220122NIR1HT

AV17K2220122NIR1HT

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR

986
ZV50K2220801NIR1HT

ZV50K2220801NIR1HT

J.W. Miller / Bourns

ZV 50V 10% 2220 NI SN

17410
MOV-14D330K

MOV-14D330K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 33V 1KA DISC 14MM

5023
CG0402MLC-12LGA

CG0402MLC-12LGA

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 0402

0
CG0402MLU-12G

CG0402MLU-12G

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 0402

46126
MOV-20D390K

MOV-20D390K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 39V 2KA DISC 20MM

0
DV175K4032R2

DV175K4032R2

J.W. Miller / Bourns

DV SERIES 175V 4032 PKG SMD VARI

0
CG0402MLU-3.3G

CG0402MLU-3.3G

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 0402

37921
PV60K3225R2

PV60K3225R2

J.W. Miller / Bourns

PV SERIES 60V 3225 PKG

1500
CG0603MLC-3.3LE

CG0603MLC-3.3LE

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 0603

58649
DV11K4032R2

DV11K4032R2

J.W. Miller / Bourns

DV SERIES 11V 4032 PKG SMD VARIS

0
AV14K1812801NIR1HT

AV14K1812801NIR1HT

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR

915
DV60K3225R2

DV60K3225R2

J.W. Miller / Bourns

DV SERIES 60V 3225 PKG SMD VARIS

1995
DV130K3225R2

DV130K3225R2

J.W. Miller / Bourns

DV SERIES 130V 3225 PKG SMD VARI

1780
ZV20K1812801NIR1

ZV20K1812801NIR1

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR SMD

990
CG0402MLA-18KG

CG0402MLA-18KG

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 22V 20A 0402

12952
MOV-14D470K

MOV-14D470K

J.W. Miller / Bourns

VARISTOR 47V 1KA DISC 14MM

5672

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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