Littelfuse Introduces MLA Automotive Series Varistors for Transient Voltage Surge Suppression

The series is designed to suppress a variety of transient events, including those specified in IEC 61000-4-2 and other standards used for Electromagnetic Compliance (EMC). It has the ability to clamp very fast events such as electrostatic discharge (ESD) and clamps bidirectionally. Littelfuse’s multilayer construction effectively dissipates current within the mass of the device and the peak temperature per energy is very low.



The series extends Littelfuse’s proven Multilayer fabrication technology to a broader range of automotive applications. Designed for harsh under-hood environments, the new Series offers wide temperature operation. It passed a number of environmental and electrical stress tests to meet the requirements of AEC-Q200 of the Automotive Electronics Council.



Electronic designers will appreciate the ability to use these protectors in air flow sensors, battery control units, DC/DC converters and inverters, engine control units (ECUs), temperature measurement, wiper modules, airbag control units, ABS/ESP, sun roofs, dashboard systems and other automotive applications.



A protector of this type has a number of advantages. Multilayer technology provides a larger surface area in a small footprint, and it may replace larger surface-mount TVS zeners in many applications. In addition, the series can operate over a wider temperature range than zener diodes. As a ceramic device, the MLA Automotive Varistor Series does not require a plastic housing and is much smaller than plastic housed components. It also has no plastic or expoxy packaging, assuring better than UL94V-0 flammability rating.



The MLA Automotive Varistor Series is manufactured from semiconducting ceramics and is supplied in a leadless surface-mount package. It is RoHS-compliant/lead free and compatible with modern reflow and wave soldering procedures. Nickel barrier termination is available for lead-free soldering.



Littelfuse, the leader in fuse technology, provides a comprehensive range of products and solutions that provide over-current protection for any electronic application. With 80 years of experience in building and supplying overcurrent protection products, Littelfuse is dedicated to providing application expertise and support that meets customers’ needs.