TDK Corporation (TSE: 6762) presents two new series of ThermoFuse® varistors, which are equipped with monitor outputs and integrated thermal protective components for overvoltage protection.
The MT25 series (B72225M*) currently covers a voltage range from 150 VRMS to 385 VRMS, and its maximum surge current capability is 20 kA at a pulse form of 8/20 µs, according to IEC 61643-11. With dimensions of 25 x 28 x 14 mm, the completely encapsulated protective components feature a particularly compact design. Their monitor outputs are optionally available with or without electrical isolation.

PiezoListen is the world's first piezoelectric type speaker that supports a wide range. Thanks to a world leading thinness of 0.49 mm, it can fit almost anywhere. The product causes the object to which it is glued to vibrate and thereby become a speaker. Because the entire surface vibrates, the sound has wide directivity, and uniform sound can be enjoyed at any location. You can also listen to music from Piezo Listen ™ piezo speakers.

TDK Corporation presents a new packing unit for CeraCharge®, the world’s first SMD technology solid-state rechargeable battery, in the compact size EIA 1812 (4.4 x 3.0 x 1.1 mm3). The packing unit (B73180A0101M199) includes 10 blister-packed CeraCharge batteries which come in a vacuum-sealed plastic bag. The components are manufactured in regular series production and are suitable for test purposes, prototype construction and the installation of pilot lines. The packing unit can be obtained quickly and easily from selected TDK service distributors.

TDK Corporation presents a new series of compact EPCOS SMT current sense transformers. They are designed for measuring currents of up to 7 A at frequencies between 50 kHz and 1 MHz. The B82801A1* series comprises nine types that offer transformation ratios from 1:20 to 1:150 between the primary and secondary winding. The maximum DC resistance of the primary winding for all types is only 2.5 mΩ. Excellent reproducibility and reliability are ensured by highly automated production using laser welding technology.

The high precision of piezoresistive sensors and their ability to measure absolute, gauge and differential pressure allow their versatile use in a wide range of applications.
For industrial equipment and machineries the information provided by the pressure sensors can be used to operate hydraulic or pneumatic equipment in the most effective way but furthermore connect to the new Industry 4.0 standards.
The increasing requirements in automotive for fuel efficiency and reduction of harmful emission demand for long-term stable and highly accurate sensors. Besides the media resistance, some of the application require the pressure sensors to be freeze resistant but most important the sensors need to provide a reliable signal over lifetime.
All applications place increasingly demanding requirements on the distinctive characteristics of the pressure dies and call for specific design features already on the die level. The TDK pressure sensors portfolio has been developed with a strong focus on increased sensitivity and high performance with a smaller die size. In addition, particular attention is paid to specific features for media resistance and easy process ability.

TDK Corporation has extended its range of dual inductors to include the new EPCOS series B82477D6*. The seven series types cover an inductance range from 2 x 3.9 µH to 2 x 47 µH and are designed for maximum rated currents from 2.83 A to 7.05 A. A special feature of the inductors, which are certified according to AEC-Q200 and compatible with RoHS, are the high saturation currents of up to 16.1 A. The magnetically shielded inductors have dimensions of just 12.5 x 12.5 x 10.5 mm3 and are designed for a wide temperature range of -55°C to +150 °C. Depending on the type, the inductors offer very high coupling factors of the two windings from 97 to 99 per cent.

Chip varistors and TVS diodes are commonly used as over-voltage protection components.
Their structural design and manufacturing methods are completely different, but they offer similar characteristics with regard to protection from static electricity.
They generally can therefore be used interchangeably in a circuit, but there are cases where chip varistors are considered to be not suitable.
For historical reasons, many of the specification items given in catalogs and data sheets are different, which makes it difficult to compare characteristics based solely on these data, unlike in the case of capacitors and other general components.
The aim of this article is to clarify the difference between varistors and diodes and to introduce data that can be used to compare the two.