VC08LC18A500RP Circuit Protection

TVS - Varistors, MOVs

The VC08LC18A500RP is a component of the Transient Voltage Suppression (TVS) device family. TVS devices are electro-mechanical components that are used to protect sensitive electronic circuitry from transient voltage spikes. The primary purpose of TVS devices is to provide a low-impedance path to ground for high-voltage transient spikes, thereby preventing the damage that could be caused by the spike. TVS devices are commonly used in a wide range of applications, including computers, cell phones, medical equipment, microelectronics, and automotive applications.

The VC08LC18A500RP is a voltage-variable varistor. This type of TVS device is constructed with a metal oxide material, such as zinc-oxide, that has a high resistance at low voltages and a low resistance at high voltages. When a transient voltage spike is applied to the varistor, the resistance of the zinc-oxide material changes rapidly, allowing the current to be diverted away from the sensitive circuitry. The VC08LC18A500RP is rated at 500 volts, with a minimum breakdown voltage of 18 volts for a 1-nanosecond pulse. This type of TVS device is typically used in applications such as power supply protection, AC and DC signal line protection, and motor circuit protection.

The VC08LC18A500RP is also an MOV, which stands for Metal Oxide Varistor. This type of TVS component is a non-linear resistive device that is constructed with a metal-oxide material. MOVs are designed to provide a low-impedance path to ground for high voltage transient spikes. In comparison to a voltage-variable varistor, an MOV has a lower peak clamping voltage, but its current carrying capacity is higher. This makes it ideal for high power applications where large transient spikes need to be shunted away from sensitive circuitry. The VC08LC18A500RP has a maximum continuous operating current of 10 amps and can handle a maximum transient power dissipation of 1,000 watts.

In summary, the VC08LC18A500RP is a voltage-variable varistor and an MOV, both of which are a type of TVS (Transient Voltage Suppression) device. These types of devices are used to protect sensitive electronic circuitry by providing a low-impedance path to ground for high voltage transient spikes. The VC08LC18A500RP has a 500-volt rating with a minimum breakdown voltage of 18 volts for 1-nanosecond pulses, and a maximum continuous operating current of 10 amps it can handle. This makes it ideal for power supply protection, AC and DC signal line protection, motor circuit protection, and other high power applications.