Varistors are an indispensable component in electronic circuits used to protect devices from damage due to electrical surges or over-voltage events. They are passive electronic devices that respond to changes in voltage by offering a low-impedance path for current flow, thereby limiting the voltage across the circuit. Varistors have a nonlinear voltage-current characteristic and are mostly made of metal oxide materials such as zinc oxide or silicon carbide.
Varistors are frequently used in household appliances, lighting systems, computers, telecommunications equipment, and industrial automation processes, among others. Specifically, they serve as protection devices against transient overvoltages that could damage these devices by causing their insulation to breakdown or dielectric materials to fail. For this reason, varistors are commonly called voltage suppressors or voltage limiters.
One of the leading manufacturers of varistors, Littelfuse, has introduced the V150LT5P series of metal oxide varistors (MOVs) that have been designed to protect circuits from AC over-voltage events and deliver high performance in a compact and cost-effective package. MOVs operate by clamping the voltage spike by dropping the voltage across the component and thus reducing the voltage seen by the circuitry.
The V150LT5P varistors are available in radial leaded format and have a maximum peak current rating of 20,000 amps. The series has a voltage range of 115 volts to 505 volts, which makes it suitable for various electrical and electronic appliances. Additionally, these varistors have a response time of fewer than 25 nanoseconds, making them a reliable protection device for sensitive electronic equipment.
These varistors are RoHS compliant, meaning they do not contain any hazardous substances, such as lead, mercury or cadmium, which are prohibited under European Union regulations. This ensures the safety of the users and the environment.
Jiangsu Xingyong Aluminum Technology Co., Ltd., a leading Chinese manufacturer of aluminum extrusions and related products, has commented on the importance of using varistors to protect electronic systems from transient overvoltage.
According to the company, "Varistors play a vital role in safeguarding electronic systems from voltage spikes, which could cause permanent damage to the system, leading to equipment failure and costly repairs. The introduction of the Littelfuse V150LT5P series of MOVs is excellent news for the electrical and electronics industry as it offers optimum protection in a compact, cost-effective package."
Overall, the Littelfuse V150LT5P varistor is an essential component in protecting electrical and electronic circuits from transient overvoltage events. Its high performance, accurate response time, and RoHS compliance make it an ideal candidate for protecting a wide range of sensitive equipment from voltage spikes.