Why Zinc Oxide MOVs Are Preferred for Surge Protection

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JVX Metal Oxide Varistor promotional image
JVX Metal Oxide Varistors for surge protection evaluation and sourcing reference.

Modern power and industrial electronic designs rely on metal oxide varistors (MOVs) to protect circuits from transient voltage surges caused by lightning, switching events, or unstable power conditions. For engineers and sourcing teams evaluating MOV replacement or alternative options, understanding MOV structure, voltage classes, and application suitability is essential.

This article provides a technical overview of JVX Metal Oxide Varistors, focusing on structure, operating characteristics, typical applications, and class-level alternative selection guidance.


Metal Oxide Varistor Structure Overview

Metal oxide varistor structure illustration
Structure illustration for reference to typical MOV construction.

A metal oxide varistor is constructed using zinc oxide (ZnO) ceramic grains sandwiched between two metal electrodes, resulting in a highly nonlinear voltage-current characteristic.

  • High impedance under normal operating voltage
  • Rapid impedance drop when surge voltage exceeds threshold
  • Surge energy absorption and voltage clamping

JVX Metal Oxide Varistor Key Characteristics

  • Operating temperature: -40°C to +105°C
  • Disc diameters: 5D, 7D, 10D, 14D, 20D
  • Varistor voltage range: 18V to 1800V
  • Compliance: RoHS, REACH

Typical Surge Protection Applications

  • Industrial power supplies
  • AC-DC converters and SMPS designs
  • Home appliance control boards
  • Motor drives and inverter systems
  • Power protection modules
Selection reminder: Final suitability must be verified based on system voltage, surge level, and applicable safety standards.

Class-Level MOV Alternative Selection Guidance

JVX Metal Oxide Varistors are designed to align with common industry MOV voltage and disc-size classes. Comparisons are provided at the class level only and do not constitute direct part-number cross references.

Varistor Voltage (V₁mA) Disc Diameter JVX Series Comparable MOV Class Typical Brands Referenced
470V (471K) 7mm JVX07D471K V07 class Vishay, TDK, Bourns
470V (471K) 10mm JVX10D471K V10 class Vishay, TDK, Bourns
470V (471K) 14mm JVX14D471K V14 class Vishay, TDK, Bourns
470V (471K) 20mm JVX20D471K V20 class Vishay, TDK, Bourns

Watch: How Metal Oxide Varistors Protect Circuits


Explore JVX Metal Oxide Varistors

Explore the JVX MOV series and contact jb for selection and application support.

Looking for Jantzen or Mundorf Alternatives? JMX & JLX Audio Capacitors with Fast Lead Time

jb Capacitors logo JMX and JLX audio capacitors with fast lead time

Looking for Jantzen or Mundorf Alternatives? JMX & JLX Audio Capacitors with Fast Lead Time

When engineers search for a Jantzen alternative capacitor or a Mundorf equivalent capacitor, the concern is rarely just brand comparison. What truly matters is whether the audio capacitor replacement can deliver stable electrical performance, predictable sound characteristics, and a supply lead time that supports real project schedules.

JMX and JLX audio capacitors from jb Capacitors are developed to address these evaluation criteria, offering high-end audio performance with clear sourcing advantages. For teams evaluating fast lead time capacitors, the goal is to reduce uncertainty during design-in and RFQ stages.


Product Overview

JMX audio capacitor polypropylene film axial 630V Jantzen Mundorf alternative
JMX Series
High-voltage signal path audio capacitor
JLX high-end audio capacitor for tweeter and crossover Mundorf equivalent
JLX Series
High-end tweeter & mid-range crossover
JYS SMD multilayer ceramic chip capacitor MLCC
JYS Series
SMD MLCC for volume production

JMX – High-Voltage Audio Capacitor for Signal Integrity

The JMX Music Aluminum Foil and Film Metallized Polypropylene Capacitors (Axial) are designed for audio circuits where signal purity and stability are critical. From a design perspective, engineers often consider JMX when evaluating audio capacitor replacements for high-voltage signal paths.

Why JMX is frequently evaluated

  • Very low dissipation factor (≤0.0002 @ 1kHz)
  • Very low ESR and inductance for clean signal transmission
  • Rated voltage up to 630VDC, suitable for high-voltage audio designs
  • Commonly used in amplifiers, speakers, and crossover networks
Explore JMX Series
Review specifications and share your target voltage and capacitance requirements for quotation.

JLX – High-End Audio Capacitor for Tweeter & Mid-Range Applications

The JLX Luxury Aluminum Foil and Film Metallized Polypropylene Capacitors (Axial) are positioned as a high-end solution for modern tweeters and mid-range drivers. In many audio projects, JLX is evaluated as a Mundorf equivalent capacitor or a practical alternative to Jantzen Audio Alumen Z-cap, especially when balancing performance and sourcing considerations.

Why engineers consider JLX

  • High precision capacitance tolerance: ±3% @ 1kHz
  • Very low dielectric absorption factor
  • Very low dissipation factor, very low ESR, very low inductance
  • Available in 100V and 200VDC ratings

Third-party listening reviews indicate that JLX delivers a clear high-frequency presentation and balanced mid-range character. For reference, the published test review document is available below.

Explore JLX Series
Compare your current crossover design requirements and request a quotation with part numbers or target specifications.

Why Engineers Inquire About JMX & JLX

When evaluating fast lead time capacitors for audio applications, engineers typically focus on:

  • Electrical stability and specification transparency
  • Suitability for crossover, tweeter, and signal path designs
  • Reliable sourcing with consistent lead time

JMX and JLX are designed to support these requirements, allowing engineers to evaluate alternatives with confidence during design-in and RFQ stages.


RFQ Promotion (Limited Time)

During the promotion period, customers who submit an RFQ via the official website and include at least one JMX or JLX series part number or a clear specification requirement, after jb Capacitors verification, may receive a selected gift.

Submit an RFQ with clear requirements
Please include real project, design, or purchasing requirements with part number(s) or clear specifications.

Notes

  • RFQ content must be a real and specific project or design requirement, not a test, blank, or duplicate submission.
  • Each company is eligible once during the promotion period.
  • Gifts are limited and available while supplies last; jb Capacitors reserves the final right of review and interpretation.

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