TDK Corporation (TSE: 6762) has expanded its surface-mount multilayer varistor (MLV) product family with the standard X series (CT0402*X, CT0603*X, CT0805*X, CT1206*X, CT1210*X, CT1810*X, and CT2220*X) for industrial applications. These new SMD MLVs not only protect electronics against overvoltages, maintaining high reliability and performance in a compact size, but also help customers reduce their CO₂ footprint by up to 30 percent. Based on a tailored, innovative ceramic composition, these components can be sintered at lower temperatures than standard MLVs, reducing energy usage. Additionally, the raw material itself has a smaller CO₂ footprint.
The X series targets power supplies, factory automation, industrial IoT, and sensor interfaces where miniaturization and electrical robustness are required, including harsh environments. This follows the release and ramp-up of the X1 series for automotive applications based on the same technology platform.
Spanning case sizes from EIA0402 to EIA2220, the X series offers RMS voltage ratings from 3.5 to 40 V and varistor voltages from 8 to 350 V. They provide clamping voltages from 24 to 450 V and withstand electrostatic discharge (ESD) up to 15 kV air discharge according to IEC 61000-4-2. For surge protection, peak current handling ranges from 1 A in the smallest footprint up to 800 A. Customer-specific adjustments are possible.
These varistors respond to voltage transients within 0.5 ns and offer capacitance values as low as 6 pF, preserving signal integrity in high-speed data lines. The components operate reliably in a temperature range of -55 to +125 °C. With packaging options that support high-volume automated assembly, the X series integrates seamlessly into modern SMT processes.
By combining compact dimensions, fast response times, and robust electrical ratings, the X series enhances the resilience of electronic designs, contributing to longer service life and improved system reliability across a diverse set of industrial applications.
Main applications
Transient overvoltage protection for:
– Power supplies
– Factory automation
– Industrial IoT
– Sensor interfaces
Main features and benefits
– Reliable ESD protection up to 15 kV air discharge according to IEC 61000-4-2
– Low leakage current
– No temperature derating up to +125 °C
– High lifetime robustness
– Stable protection level