Kyocera AVX offers a new range of load dump varistors

     Kyocera AVX offers a new range of load dump varistors as an extension of its trusted TransGuard automotive line. The series of varistors are innovative zinc oxide ceramic semiconductor devices that provide bidirectional overvoltage protection and EMI/RFI attenuation in a single, space-saving SMT package compliant with the AEC-Q200 standard, and have more than 20 years of proven performance in a range of automotive electronics. Key features include a unique monolithic multilayer structure, nonlinearity, bidirectional voltage-current characteristics, high current and energy handling capabilities, multiple strike capabilities, and extremely fast sub-nanosecond response times.

     They can also be packaged in glass to enhance resistance to harsh environmental hazards, including acid, salt and chlorite fluxes. These features enable the varistor family to provide reliable, state-of-the-art circuit protection against voltage transients caused by ESD, induction motor loads, module load dumps, and other interruptions, which is becoming increasingly important as the number of electronic systems deployed in automotive applications increases.

     The new load dump varistor features a higher peak current rating than the other products in the family (2,000A), making it more effective in providing reliable protection against high energy automotive load dump transients. The load dump pulse simulates the sudden disconnection of the battery from the alternator and causes the alternator to produce an overvoltage pulse that damages the sensitive integrated circuit, which is also increasingly common in today's automotive designs.

     These varistors, including the new load dump varistors, are ideal for internal combustion engines, hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles, including commercial vehicles, for CAN, LIN and FlexRay modules, sensors and induction motors. They are compact, lightweight and rated for operating temperatures from -55°c to +125°c without derating, compliant with JASO D001 1994 and ISO 7637-2-2004 for protection against transient surges in the automotive industry. They are also rohs compliant, lead-free compatible, and free of other substances of high concern.

     Tyler Lagnese, product marketing manager, Kyocera AVX, said, "The new TransGuard Automotive series load dump varistor performs well in terms of energy handling, while maintaining a smaller footprint and all necessary parameters, compared to competing components in the same category." "This allows design engineers to achieve significant performance improvements while saving space and weight, which is especially valuable given the increasing number of electronic systems deployed in automotive applications."

     The new TransGuard Automotive series load relief resistors are initially released with three standard part numbers (VCAS222016W400, VCAS222016Y390 and VCAS222016Z400) and their glass-enclosed counterparts (VGAS222016W400, VGAS222016W400). VGAS222016Y390 and VGAS222016Z400), but further code is currently under development.