KYOCERA AVX adds 48 V-rated MLVs to its TransGuard VT series of varistors

KYOCERA AVX has expanded its TransGuard VT series of zinc-oxide multilayer varistors (MLVs) by introducing a new 48 V system subset designed specifically for automotive power electronics, electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, and light electric vehicles. These new varistors support a working voltage of 56 VDC or 40 VAC and offer clamping voltages between 100 and 110 V, alongside current handling capabilities ranging from 30 to 1,500 A. The components are now available through major distributors Mouser and DigiKey, providing enhanced protection solutions for the growing electric mobility market. The 48 V-rated MLVs cover a broad capacitance range from 80 to 2,800 pF and can operate at temperatures up to 150 °C, meeting stringent automotive and industrial standards such as AEC-Q200, IEC 61000-4-2, ISO 10605, and VDA-320. They come in five standard EIA chip sizes, from 0805 to 2220, with select models featuring KYOCERA AVX’s FLEXITERM terminations. These terminations are notable for their robustness, offering resistance to mechanical board flexure up to 5 mm and enduring 3,000 thermal cycles at 150 °C—significantly exceeding typical industry requirements. The broader TransGuard VT series, which the new 48 V parts complement, spans chip sizes from 0603 to 2220 and supports working voltages between 12 and 56 VDC and 4 to 40 VAC. The series includes variants rated for operating temperatures up to 175 °C, with the highest grade (VTA7) maintaining full performance without derating across a wide temperature range from -55 °C to +175 °C. All devices in the series feature high electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection with HBM Class 6 ratings, capable of withstanding over 25,000 V, and possess moisture sensitivity level 1, allowing unlimited floor life without special handling. These varistors integrate bidirectional overvoltage protection and electromagnetic interference/radio frequency interference (EMI/RFI) attenuation within a single surface-mount package. This combination reduces the need for separate multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) for filtering and transient voltage suppression (TVS) devices for clamping, simplifying circuit design and improving reliability. The introduction of the 48 V-rated MLVs reflects KYOCERA AVX’s commitment to supporting the evolving requirements of electric mobility and automotive electronics with robust, high-performance protection components.