TDK Electronics has announced a high-surge multilayer-varistor series developed with a new ceramic material. The company presents the range as a compact option for higher-energy overvoltage protection, extending the usual discussion of MLVs beyond low-energy ESD protection.
Published headline ratings
| Parameter | Published range or limit |
|---|---|
| Case sizes | EIA 1210 to 2220 |
| Maximum DC operating voltage | Up to 65 V DC |
| Varistor voltage at 1 mA | Up to 85 V |
| Surge-current capability | Up to 1 × 5000 A and 10 × 3500 A, 8/20 μs |
| Clamping voltage | Maximum 135 V at 200 A for the cited new-ceramic example |
| Energy absorption | Up to 15,000 mJ at 2 ms |
| Maximum operating temperature | Up to +125 °C |
These values describe the top end of a product family, not one universal part. A smaller case size or different voltage option may have substantially different surge, energy, clamping and capacitance data.
Why the announcement matters
MLVs are often associated with compact ESD protection on signal and low-voltage power lines. A family offering higher 8/20 μs surge-current capability may open additional board-level protection options where space is limited. It does not mean that an MLV automatically replaces a larger disc MOV, a TVS diode or a coordinated surge-protection network.
What engineers should verify
- The exact part number and its maximum continuous voltage under worst-case conditions.
- Clamping voltage at the relevant current, waveform and temperature.
- Single-pulse versus repetitive surge capability and the required interval between pulses.
- Energy rating, pulse duration and temperature derating.
- Capacitance, leakage and signal-integrity limits when the device is used near data or RF paths.
- Package land pattern, soldering profile, board-flex risk and transient-current return path.
- Qualification, safety status and final-system surge or ESD test requirements.
Reference: TDK Electronics: Compact and robust overvoltage protection, 2026-07-16
