EPCOS multilayer varistors in the CeraDiode family, from TDK, have a footprint of just 0.47x0.47x0.1mm and are supplied in LGA packaging.

The SMD components are available in EIA case sizes of 0402 and 0201, to produce varistors that are approximately 80% smaller than their predecessors, claims the company. They offer ESD immunity of 15 or 25kV to satisfy the higher ESD requirements of sensitive ICs. Clamping voltage is 70 or 90V at a pulse voltage of 8kV (IEC-61000-4-2).

The company says that combining a new, efficient ZnO semiconductor material with its micro core technology allows more grain boundaries per volume, which increases the ability of the components to absorb ESD pulses by a factor of 50. The micro core components can also be incorporated directly into 3D circuits and modules.