New Industry Products

TDK Semiconductor Unveils 0603-Type Varistor

November 23, 2003 by Jeff Shepard

TDK Semiconductor Corp. (Japan) announced its new 0603-type chip varistor, which is suitable for static electricity counter-measures in cell phones, PDAs, laptop computers, digital still cameras and digital video cameras/ The 0.6mm x 0.3mm, multi-layer chip varistor is claimed to be an industry's first.

The chip varistors were downsized to have approximately 78% less volume and 64% less area than the earlier 1005 types (1mm x 0.5mm). This allows designers the capability to increase the number of varistors on small boards. Lead-free, the product provides stability with small deterioration of properties even after impression by static electricity, and features high solder-wettability and solder heat resistance.

Priced at $0.13, the varistor's terminal electrodes are plated with nickel and tin, while the ground terminal has a coating of silver.