KYOCERA AVX Releases Multilayer Varistors Optimized for 48V Automotive Power Supply Systems

Why It Matters

The launch gives automotive OEMs a rugged, space‑saving protection solution for the rapidly expanding 48 V EV architecture, reducing BOM cost and improving reliability in high‑temperature environments.

Key Takeaways

• New TransGuard VT Series MLVs support 48V automotive power systems.
• Rated up to 150°C, qualified to VDA-320 and AEC‑Q200.
• Offers 100‑2,800 pF capacitance, 30‑1,500 A transient handling.
• FLEXITERM terminations endure 5 mm flex and 3,000 temperature cycles.

Pulse Analysis

The automotive industry is shifting toward 48‑volt electrical architectures to meet the power demands of electric‑drive accessories, advanced driver‑assist systems, and fast‑charging infrastructure. This higher voltage tier delivers better efficiency than traditional 12‑volt networks but also introduces new transient threats from motor inrush, load dumps, and electromagnetic interference. Engineers therefore need components that can protect sensitive electronics without adding bulk or compromising thermal performance, a niche that multilayer varistors (MLVs) are uniquely positioned to fill.

KYOCERA AVX’s TransGuard VT Series MLVs combine zinc‑oxide ceramic technology with a compact surface‑mount package, delivering bidirectional over‑voltage protection and EMI/RFI attenuation in a single component. Certified to AEC‑Q200, IEC 61000‑4‑2, ISO 10605, and VDA‑320, the new 48‑V‑optimized parts operate from –55 °C to +150 °C with zero derating, handle up to 1,500 A peak currents, and clamp at 100‑110 V. The inclusion of FLEXITERM terminations further enhances mechanical resilience, surviving up to 5 mm of board flex and 3,000 temperature cycles, which exceeds typical automotive reliability requirements.

For vehicle manufacturers and tier‑one suppliers, these varistors translate into tangible cost and design benefits. By replacing discrete MLCCs and separate TVS devices, designers can shrink PCB real estate and lower part counts, directly impacting bill‑of‑materials (BOM) expenses. As electric‑vehicle production scales—from e‑bikes to commercial trucks—the demand for robust, high‑temperature protection will rise, positioning KYOCERA AVX’s new MLVs as a strategic component in next‑generation EV platforms and their charging ecosystems. The product’s broad temperature range and high ESD rating also make it suitable for industrial and transportation applications beyond automotive, expanding its market relevance.