AVX Corporation released the industry’s first multilayer varistor (MLV) transient voltage suppression (TVS) devices rated for 175°C operation. The new TransGuard VT Series high-temperature MLVs provide extremely reliable bidirectional overvoltage protection across operating temperatures extending from -55°C to 175°C with zero derating across the entire range, are qualified to AEC-Q200, and are currently available in compact, surface-mount 0603 and 0805 cases sizes.

They also provide some broadband EMI filtering in their off state, which further extends their utility in sensitive automotive circuits by reducing the need for discrete MLCC capacitors and is especially beneficial considering current market-wide MLCC supply shortages. Application suitability for the new VT Series MLVs extends to circuit protection in other markets as well, and additional performance highlights include high current and energy handling capabilities, low leakage current, and multi-strike capabilities per IEC 61000-4-2.

TransGuard MLVs are zinc oxide (ZnO) based ceramic semiconductor devices with non-linear, bi-directional 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 functionality. The new VT Series MLVs extend the temperature range of overvoltage protection beyond the TransGuard portfolio’s previous maximum of 150°C.

TransGuard VT Series high-temperature MLVs are compliant with the ESD performance requirements defined in the AEC-Q200, IEC 61000-4-2, and ISO 10605 standards and are currently offered as four standard parts with RoHS-compliant nickel barrier, 100% matte-tin-plated terminations.

The initial release of the series is comprised of 0603 MLVs with 0.1J energy, 18V working voltage, and 42V clamping voltage ratings; 0603 MLVs with 0.1J energy, 31V working voltage, and 67V clamping voltage ratings; 0805 MLVs with 0.3J energy, 18V working voltage, and 42V clamping voltage ratings; and 0805 MLVs with 0.3J energy, 31V working voltage, and 65V clamping voltage ratings. Standard parts are shipped on tape and reel in quantities of 1,000, 4,000, and 10,000, and lead-time for the series is currently 12 weeks.