Product category: Circuit Protection Devices
News Release from: AVX | Subject: CAN Series varistors
Edited by the Electronicstalk Editorial Team on 22 January 2008
Varistors protect CANs from ESD
Multilayer ceramic varistors feature nonlinear, bidirectional voltage-current characteristics similar to back-to-back Zener diodes and an EMC capacitor in parallel
CAN Series varistors from AVX are specifically designed to provide ESD protection in Controller Area Network (CAN) applications, predominantly in automotive electronics. The zinc-oxide (ZnO) based, multilayer ceramic varistors feature nonlinear, bidirectional voltage-current characteristics similar to back-to-back Zener diodes and an EMC (electromagnetic compatibility) capacitor in parallel.
This article was originally published on Electronicstalk on 22 January 2008 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
Tantalum capacitors cut ESR and boost reliability
New parts within the TRJ professional series of tantalum capacitors deliver significantly lower ESR while achieving reliability levels twice those of standard tantalum devices
Transient voltage suppression on the road
Automotive-grade multilayer chip varistors operate over a -55 to +125C temperature range and are specified to satisfy load dump and jump start test requirements
This 'equivalent' capacitor ensures inherent EMI/RFI attenuation.
Available as 0603 discretes or 0405 and 0612 arrays with two and four elements, respectively, the varistors offer significant advantages over diodes in CAN networks.
These include space savings, higher ESD capability at 25kV contact, higher inrush current of 4A (8 x 20us) and a FIT rate of under 0.1 failures (per billion hours).
Multilayer ZnO varistors offer nanosecond response times and compared with diodes demonstrate a greater capability of withstanding repetitive ESD high voltage discharge without degradation.
A single ZnO varistor also replaces the diode, capacitor and resistor array on multiplex node applications, significantly reducing component count and space requirements.
Varistors also offer inherent EMI/RFI attenuation.
The varistors are specified with 0.015J (10 x 1000us) transient energy rating, 22pF maximum capacitance, 2uA maximum leakage current at working voltage, as well as a DC working voltage up to 18V and AC working voltage up to 14V.
AVX can also design and manufacture custom versions to specific performance and environmental characteristics not available in the standard product range. Request a free brochure from AVX....
• AVX: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Electronicstalk email newsletter
• Electronicstalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
