High-temperature low leakage automotive varistors

A new series of high-temperature low leakage automotive varistors has been introduced by AVX. Qualified to AEC-Q200, the new high temperature, low leakage CANATL Series automotive controlled area network varistors exhibit extremely low leakage (=1µA at 32VDC, 25C) and are tested, qualified, and specified at 150C, making them ideal for use in high temperature under-hood automotive applications, such as transmission control units (TCUs), brake control modules (BCMs), data lines, bus interface units, and other capacitance sensitive applications. Based on AVX's patented multilayer varistor (MLV) technology, which combines circuit protection and EMI/RFI attenuation functions in a single, high reliability device, CANATL Series automotive varistors are zinc oxide based ceramic semiconductor devices that exhibit non-linear, bi-directional voltage current characteristics similar to back-to-back Zener diodes and an EMC capacitor in parallel. In addition to the space savings provided by enabling EMI/RFI attenuation in the off-state, CANATL Series multilayer varistors provide several valuable performance advantages over diodes, including: high in-rush current capacity (8x20µS), a high 25kV (HBM Level 6) ESD rating, low capacitance (10pF) to minimize signal distortion, no derating over operating temperatures, and very fast response times, which conservatively clamp the energy before it reaches its maximum. CANATL Series varistors also exhibit multi-strike capability, excellent solderability, and an impressive FIT rate of =0.1 per billion hours. "By extending our trusted CAN Bus varistor offering with the new CANATL Series high temperature, low leakage automotive varistors, we have significantly expanded the number of applications that can benefit from the unique space savings and performance advantages inherent to AVX’s patented MLV technology," said Jiri Machanicek, product manager, AVX. Rated for use in temperatures spanning -55C to 150C, CANATL Series automotive varistors are currently available in a 0603 case rated for 32VDC operating voltage. RoHS compliant, CANATL Series varistors are supplied with Ni barrier/100% Sn terminations and packaged on 7 or 13 reels. Pd/Ag terminations for hybrid assembly are available upon request, says the company.