Varistor Products
Surface Mount Multilayer Varistors (MLVs) > ML Series
Device Characteristics
ClampingVoltage OverTemperature (VC at 10A)
At low current levels, the V-I curve of the multilayer
transient voltage suppressor approaches a linear (ohmic)
relationship and shows a temperature dependent effect.
At or below the maximum working voltage, the suppressor
is in a high resistance modex (approaching 106Ω at its
maximum rated working voltage). Leakage currents at
maximum rated voltage are below 100μA, typically 25μA;
for 0402 size below 20μA, typically 5μA.
100
V26MLA1206
V5.5MLA1206
TypicalTemperature Dependance of the Haracteristic
Curve in the Leakage Region
100%
10
-60
-40
-20
0
20
40
60
80
100 120 140
o
TEMPERATURE ( C)
Figure 11
Energy Absorption/Peak Current Capability
Energy dissipated within the ML Series is calculated
by multiplying the clamping voltage, transient current
and transient duration. An important advantage of the
multilayer is its interdigitated electrode construction within
the mass of dielectric material. This results in excellent
current distribution and the peak temperature per energy
absorbed is very low. The matrix of semiconducting grains
combine to absorb and distribute transient energy (heat)
(see Speed of Response). This dramatically reduces peak
temperature; thermal stresses and enhances device
reliability.
o
o
o
o
o
C
25 50 75
-8 -7
100 125
10%
1E
-9
-6
-5
-4
-3
-2
1E
1E
1E
1E
1E
1E
1E
SUPPRESSOR CURRENT (A
DC
)
Figure 10
Speed of Response
The Multilayer Suppressor is a leadless device. Its
response time is not limited by the parasitic lead
inductances found in other surface mount packages.
The response time of the ZNO dielectric material is less
than 1ns and the ML can clamp very fast dV/dT events
such as ESD. Additionally, in "real world" applications,
the associated circuit wiring is often the greatest
factor effecting speed of response. Therefore, transient
suppressor placement within a circuit can be considered
important in certain instances.
As a measure of the device capability in energy and peak
current handling, the V26MLA1206A part was tested with
multiple pulses at its peak current rating (150A, 8/20μs). At
the end of the test,10,000 pulses later, the device voltage
characteristics are still well within specification.
Repetitive Pulse Capability
Multilayer Internal Construction
100
PEAK CURRENT = 150A
8/20 s DURATION, 30s BETWEEN PULSES
FIRED CERAMIC
DIELECTRIC
V26MLA1206
METAL
ELECTRODES
METAL END
TERMINATION
10
DEPLETION
REGION
0
2000
4000
6000
8000
10000
12000
NUMBER OF PULSES
Figure 13
DEPLETION
REGION
Figure 12
GRAINS
©2008 Littelfuse, Inc.
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Please refer to www.littelfuse.com/series/ML.html for current information.
41
Revision: January 9, 2009
MLVaristor Series