Linear vs Nonlinear Resistors: What Changes Their Resistance?
What is the difference between linear and nonlinear resistors? In a linear resistor, current is approximately proportional to applied voltage...
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Why Can a GDT Keep Conducting After a Surge?
A gas discharge tube (GDT) can finish diverting the specified surge and still remain conductive. Once the tube has fired and entered its low-voltage arc state, the energized line may supply a second current after the transient source has decayed....
MLCC Aging and De-Aging: Capacitance After Reflow and Referee Time
An MLCC that measures higher after reflow has not gained permanent capacitance. For a high-permittivity ferroelectric dielectric, a heat history that crosses the relevant Curie point may reverse the prior capacitance-aging state and reset its clock. After cooling below that...
How to Read MOV TOV Data: Temporary Withstand Is Not MCOV
If a datasheet states 1.25 per unit for 1 second, the duration and voltage reference are part of the rating. The number is not a new maximum continuous operating voltage (MCOV). Before using any temporary-overvoltage (TOV) point, identify the exact...
How Should the Third Lead of a Thermally Protected MOV Be Wired?
The third lead on a thermally protected metal oxide varistor (MOV) often invites the wrong first question. Designers ask whether it is normally open or normally closed before establishing what electrical node it belongs to. Although manufacturers may call it...
