KYOCERA AVX, a leading manufacturer of electronic components, has announced the introduction of its new range of load dump varistors, marking a significant advancement in the protection of automotive electronics. Situated in Fountain Inn, S.C., the company specializes in capacitors, resistors, inductors, and more, catering to industries like automotive, aerospace, and consumer electronics. This latest addition, part of the TransGuard Automotive Series, is designed to offer robust protection against voltage transients in automotive applications, ensuring the durability of sophisticated electronic systems.
About Load Dump Varistors
Load dump varistors are specialized voltage protectors tailored for the challenging environment of car electrical systems. They function like tiny sponges, absorbing sudden voltage surges that can occur during events such as a battery disconnect. This action prevents the potential damage of delicate electronics within the vehicle by these unexpected voltage spikes. KYOCERA AVX’s new varistors are distinguished by their innovative, zinc-oxide-based ceramic semiconductor technology, providing bidirectional overvoltage protection and EMI/RFI attenuation in a compact, space-saving solution.
Key Features and Applications
The TransGuard Automotive Series varistors feature a unique monolithic multilayer construction, offering nonlinear, bidirectional voltage-current characteristics, high-current and energy-handling capabilities, and multi-strike capabilities, with an extremely fast, sub-nanosecond response time. Designed for internal combustion engine, hybrid electric, and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, including commercial vehicles, these components are ideal 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. Additionally, they meet JASO D001 1994 and ISO 7637-2-2004 standards, ensuring reliable protection against transient surges in the automotive sector, and are RoHS compliant, lead-free compatible, and free of any substances of very high concern (SVHCs).
Advancements in Performance
“The new TransGuard Automotive Series load dump varistors outperform similar competing parts in energy handling, achieving this with a smaller footprint and maintaining all necessary parameters,” stated Tyler Lagnese, Product Marketing Manager, KYOCERA AVX. This development not only enhances performance but also offers significant advantages in terms of space and weight savings, critical in the context of the increasing number of electronic systems in today’s automotive designs. The initial release includes three standard part numbers and their glass encapsulated counterparts, with additional codes currently in development.
As automotive technology continues to evolve, the protection of electronic components becomes increasingly critical. The introduction of KYOCERA AVX’s new range of load dump varistors represents a significant step forward in ensuring the reliability and safety of automotive electronics against voltage transients. With their advanced features and compliance with industry standards, these varistors are set to become an essential component in the development of modern vehicles, safeguarding the intricate electronics that power today’s and tomorrow’s automotive innovations.