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WirelessDevNet.com Press Release
TDK Begins Volume Production of Industry's First 0603 Type Multilayer Chip Varistor
Tokyo, Japan, July. 28, 2003 - (JCN Newswire) - TDK Corporation (TSE:
6762) begins volume production of the industry's first* 0603 type (0.6 mm
x 0.3 mm) multilayer chip varistor this August. The new chip varistor is
about one-fifth the volume and weight of previous products.
In order to respond to the demand for smaller, lighter, and lower power
consuming mobile devices including cell phones, PDAs, laptop computers,
and digital cameras, semiconductor elements are being made with higher
degrees of integration and to operate on lower voltages. At the same time,
however, there is also a tendency for the elements to become more
susceptible to noise, and surges caused by static electricity (a large
flow of a current caused by a momentary abnormal voltage) are a particular
problem.
When the voltage impressed on multilayer chip varistors reaches a certain
degree, current, which previously could not pass through, is suddenly able
to pass, and they exhibit excellent inhibitive power against surges.
Devices that are being made ever smaller but that are in frequent contact
with users' hands such as cell phones absolutely require surge protection,
and as a result demand for multilayer chip varistors is increasing.
In response to smaller circuit boards, the new 0603 type multilayer chip
varistors were downsized to have approximately 78% less volume
(approximately one-fifth) and 64% less area (approximately one-third) than
the earlier 1005 types (1.0 mm x 0.5 mm). This makes it possible to
install the necessary number of varistors even on small boards.
When multilayer chip varistors are made smaller, the electrode area also
becomes smaller, resulting in lower capacity to withstand surges, and as a
result, it is necessary to make the varistor elements thinner to achieve
the properties suitable for low voltage circuits, presenting a significant
technological hurdle. TDK used minute structure control technology to
create fine, uniform crystal particles as well as multilayering technology
that achieves the highest possible levels of precision to develop unique
rare earth zinc oxide varistors. In addition to achieving the small 0603
size, they also provide stability with extremely small deterioration of
properties even after impression by static electricity.
The new varistors will be used in IC circuit power supplies, reset
circuits, and input and output terminals to prevent malfunctions of mobile
devices as well as damage from static electricity. In addition, these
products are completely lead-free. The terminal electrodes are plated with
nickel and tin, while the ground terminal has a coating of silver. The new
varistors feature excellent solder-wettability and outstanding solder heat
resistance. In the future, TDK will create series with special properties
while closely monitoring market developments.
*As of July 28, 2003, based on TDK investigations.
Main Specifications
Type Product Name Varistor VoltageV1mA (V) Maximum Rated Circuit
VoltageEdc (V) Electric Capacitance(reference value)(pF) [1kHz,Erms:1V]
0603 AVR-M0603 12(9.6-14.4) 7.5 35
-Shipments began in August, 2003
-Production base: Akita region
-Production Capacity: 50 million pcs. per month
-Sample price: Y15 each
Main applications: Static electricity countermeasures in cell phones,
PDAs, laptop computers, digital still cameras, digital video cameras,
portable audio devices, and so on.
About TDK Corporation
TDK Corporation (TSE: 6762) (NYSE: TDK) is a leading global electronics
company based in Japan. It was established in 1935 to commercialize
"ferrite," a key material in electronics and magnetics.
TDK's current product line includes ferrite materials, electronic
components and ICs, wireless computer networking products, magnetic heads
for HDD, digital recording hardware and advanced digital recording media.
Net sales in FY2001 were JPN Yen 689 billion.
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