1. Transient Protection - MLVs
AVX
Ron Demcko
3900 Electronics Drive
Raleigh, N.C
phone
fax

2. Protection Schemes
MultiLayer Varistors (MLVs)
TVS Diodes

3. Typical Protection Schemes Circuit Implementation
MultiLayer Varistors (MLVs)
TVS Diodes
TVS & EMI
TVS
Need
EMC
Cap
SEE AVX SAE Tech paper for more details

4. 5 component
solution

5. AVX = SINGLE PART SOLUTION

6. MLV vs Diode Comparison
Note: Several MLV CAN Parts exist: <40, 60, 120, 220 & 470 pf

7. Dashed line indicated S21 available with MLVs
39 v Zener SOD 123
Dashed line indicated S21 available with MLVs

9. Diode Repetitive Surge Test Results

10. MLVs – Multi Layer Varistors
Available in discrete & Array Forms
EMI Filter in Off State
Back to Back Zener in on state
High In Rush Current Capability
Sub ns Turn On Time
High ESD repetitive Strike Capability
No Temperature De-rating to 125 c
Small Size

11. MLVs – Multi Layer Varistors
FeedThru MLVs
Available in discrete & Array Forms
EMI Filter in Off State – HIGH Q Filter
Back to Back Zener in on state
High In Rush Current Capability
Sub ns Turn On Time
High ESD repetitive Strike Capability
No Temperature De-rating to 125 c
Small Size

12. MLV Capacitance Temperature Stability

13. MLV Terminology
Working Voltage = voltage at which the part can operate indefinitely
current is </= 50 ua
Breakdown Voltage = voltage at which the part draws 1 ma of current
Clamping Voltage = voltage the part limits to when subjected to an 8x20us
waveform (current varies with energy rating)
Peak Current = maximum 8x20us repetitive strike (500 pulses) current rating
Transient Energy = maximum 10x1000us energy in Joules

14. MLV Repetitive Strike 8/20 us Surge Response

15. MLV Repetitive Strike 10/700 us Surge Response

17. Temperature Advantages of MLV
MultiLayer Varistor
Diode
MLVs maintain
Energy rating
without de rating
up to 125 C

18. Size Advantages of MLVs
0.067”
0.112”
0.020”
0.142”
Total Area = Total Area =
in in2
0402 TransGuard SOT 23 Diode & EMC Cap
MLVs are 91.5 % SMALLER

19. Summary AVX MLVs can replace MMBZ diodes for ESD suppression
AVX MLV can be placed on the EMC capacitor pad – no board spin
MLV exhibit physical & electrical advantages to control EMC
large surge capability
repetitive strike – no wear out
EMI filtering in the off state
Low & Hi Q Response
Temperature stability
Small size/ low weight