AVX Corporation released a new series of high-temperature, glass-encapsulated multilayer varistors (MLVs) that are qualified to AEC-Q200, rated for operating temperatures up to 150°C, and designed for use in a wide variety of high-energy, harsh-environment automotive underhood, industrial, and oil and gas applications.

Comprised of zinc oxide (ZnO) based ceramic semiconductor devices with nonlinear, bidirectional voltage-current (V-I) characteristics similar to those of back-to-back Zener diodes, but with greater current and energy handling capabilities and the addition of EMI/RFI attenuation, the new TransGuard Automotive VGAH Series High-Temperature, Glass-Encapsulated MLVs combine bi-directional overvoltage circuit protection and EMI/RFI filtering functions in a single, high-reliability SMT device.

The series also exhibits high current- and energy-handling capabilities, very fast, sub-nanosecond (<1nS) response times to ESD strikes, multiple-strike capabilities, high energy absorption/load dump, low leakage, and excellent solderability. Additional benefits include glass encapsulation for impermeable protection against harsh environments and processes, including acids, salt, and chlorine flux, and no derating requirements for energy and current over the full range of operating temperatures extending from -55°C to +150°C.

Available in five chip sizes (1206, 1210, 1812, 2220, and 3220) with 16–31VDC working voltages, 40–57V clamping voltages, 0.6–13J energy ratings, 1.5–50J load dump energy, 200–1,800A peak current ratings, and 700–15,000pF capacitance, the new automotive-qualified VGAH Series MLVs are especially well suited for use in high-temperature, harsh-environment DC motor, pencil coil, local interconnect network (LIN) bus, electrical control unit (ECU), turbocharger, sensor, and relay applications in commercial, hybrid electric (HEV), plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV), and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. The series is also ideal for use in a wide range of high-temperature, harsh-environment industrial applications, including power tools, automation and downhole drilling equipment, and renewable energy systems.

The new MLVs also have RoHS-compliant nickel-barrier-over-pure-tin (Ni/Sn) terminations, are compliant with the ESD performance requirements defined in the AEC-Q200, IEC 61000-4-2, and ISO 10605 standards, and are supplied on 7” or 13” tape and reel for automated placement. Lead-time for the series is currently 14 weeks.