FOUNTAIN INN, SC, May 5, 2026 – KYOCERA AVX added 48V automotive-grade multilayer varistors (MLVs) to its TransGuard VT series as vehicle power systems move to higher-voltage architectures. The 48V system VT series MLVs combine bidirectional overvoltage protection with EMI and RFI attenuation in SMT packages. The devices are designed for motor vehicles using 48V power supplies and operate at temperatures up to 150°C.
The TransGuard VT series includes high-temperature, automotive-grade MLVs based on zinc oxide (ZnO) based ceramic semiconductor technology. The series was the first to offer MLVs rated for 175°C operation. The devices are surface-mount transient voltage suppression (TVS) components for circuit layouts.
The MLVs combine overvoltage protection and EMI/RFI attenuation in one device. This can reduce the need for separate multilayer ceramic capacitors in some designs. It can also lower component count, bill-of-materials (BoM) cost, and board space requirements.
The TransGuard VT series supports operating temperatures from -55°C to +175°C with zero derating across the range. The devices are qualified to AEC-Q200, IEC 61000-4-2, and ISO 10605. They also support high current and energy handling, multi-strike operation, and low leakage.
The series carries a Class 6 human-body model (HBM) electrostatic discharge (ESD) rating. That classification covers ESD withstand levels above 25,000V. The parts also carry an MSL 1 moisture sensitivity rating.
The new 48V system VT series MLVs are also qualified to VDA-320. They are available in five EIA chip sizes (0805, 1206, 1210, 1812, and 2220) and rated for 56VDC or 40VAC working, 100–110V clamping, 48V jump start, 30–1,500A, 0.2–9J transients, and capacitance values extending from 80–2,800pF.
Applications include electric vehicles, like e-bikes and e-scooters to golf carts, passenger vehicles, and commercial vehicles, and charging stations. The TransGuard VT series MLVs also protect automotive, industrial, and transportation systems from ESD, load dumps, and voltage spikes caused by AC/DC motors, engines, radiators, relays, jump starts, UPS equipment, and downhole drilling systems.
Several TransGuard VT series part numbers are available with KYOCERA AVX FLEXITERM terminations, including 48V system VT series MLVs. FLEXITERM terminations are specified for vibration, up to 5mm of mechanical board flexure, and up to 3,000 temperature cycles to 150°C without internal cracking. The AEC-Q200 test requirement is 1,000 cycles at up to 125°C.
Common TransGuard VT series attributes include RoHS-compliant, 100% matte-tin-plated terminations with nickel barriers. The parts ship in tape-and-reel packaging with 1,000, 4,000, or 10,000 parts. The full series is available in six case sizes from 0603 to 2220. Operating temperature ratings reach 150°C (VTA3) or 175°C (VTA7). Working voltages span 12–56VDC and 4–40VAC, clamping voltages span 32–110V, jump start voltages span 20–48V, 20–2,150A, 0.1–9.0J transients, and capacitance values extends from 60–2,800pF.
“Our tested and proven TransGuard VT series high-temperature, automotive-grade MLVs provide excellent bidirectional overvoltage protection and EMI/RFI attenuation in a single SMT package, have the highest rated operating temperatures in the MLV industry, and don’t require any derating over the specified temperature range,” said Perrin Hardee, product marketing manager at KYOCERA AVX. “They’re also extremely reliable and cost-effective. So, we’re very excited extend the series’ cost and performance advantages to our customers in the automotive industry with the release of the new VT series MLVs for 48V systems. Given the steadily growing number of sensitive automotive electronic systems and the wide range of transients in harsh, high-temperature automotive environments, these new MLVs will help solve many common challenges.”
Source: Kyocera AVX
About KYOCERA AVX
Kyocera AVX manufactures and supplies electronic components and interconnect devices for global markets. The company produces capacitors, resistors, filters, couplers, sensors, connectors and antennas used in electronic systems. It serves original equipment manufacturers, distributors and electronic manufacturing services providers across automotive, telecommunications, industrial, medical, aerospace and consumer electronics industries. The business traces its origins to AVX Corporation, founded in 1972. It operates as part of the Kyocera Group. Kyocera AVX is headquartered in Fountain Inn, SC, and maintains manufacturing and research facilities worldwide. The company supports customers with component design, development and production services.