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EPCOS Protection Devices

EPCOS protection devices provide comprehensive circuit protection solutions for a wide range of electronic applications. Our portfolio includes varistors (MOV), gas discharge tubes (GDT), polymer PTC (PPTC) devices, and TBU high-speed protectors, designed to safeguard equipment from overvoltage, overcurrent, and electrostatic discharge events.

With decades of experience in circuit protection technology, EPCOS provides components that meet the most demanding requirements in automotive, industrial, telecommunications, and consumer applications. Our protection devices are engineered for reliability, longevity, and consistent performance throughout their operational life.

Key Features

  • Comprehensive protection portfolio across all technologies
  • Coordinated protection solutions for multilevel protection
  • Automotive, industrial, and telecom qualified options
  • Global safety agency certifications (UL, CSA, VDE, CQC)
  • Self-resetting options for continuous operation
EPCOS Protection Devices Portfolio

Protection Device Categories

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Varistors (MOV)

Metal Oxide Varistors for overvoltage protection with fast response and high energy handling capability

  • High energy absorption capability
  • Fast response time to transient events
  • Wide voltage range options
  • Multiple chip configurations
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Gas Discharge Tubes (GDT)

High-energy protection devices for telecom and industrial applications with low capacitance

  • Very high energy handling capability
  • Extremely low capacitance
  • High isolation resistance
  • Long operational life
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PPTC Resettable Fuses

Self-resetting overcurrent protection with automatic recovery after fault removal

  • Resettable operation
  • Low resistance during normal operation
  • Fast trip response
  • Multiple current ratings
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TBU High-Speed Protectors

Ultra-fast overvoltage and overcurrent protection for sensitive circuits

  • Sub-nanosecond response time
  • Combined overvoltage/current protection
  • Very low on-resistance
  • High holding voltage ratings
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Varistors (Metal Oxide Varistors - MOV)

EPCOS varistors provide reliable overvoltage protection across a wide range of applications from consumer electronics to industrial equipment. Based on zinc oxide ceramic technology, these voltage-dependent resistors offer excellent clamping characteristics with the ability to absorb significant energy transients while returning to high impedance after the event.

The EPCOS varistor portfolio includes radial leaded, SMD, and disk configurations with voltage ratings from 18V to 680V and energy handling capabilities up to 400J. The devices feature stable voltage-clamping characteristics and maintain their performance over extended operational periods.

Applications

  • AC line protection in power supplies
  • DC protection in battery management systems
  • Signal line protection in telecommunications
  • Motor drive and inverter protection
  • Renewable energy system protection

Key Series

  • B72220S: Standard disk varistors with IEC approval
  • B72221S: High energy version for harsh environments
  • B72204S: SMD options for automated assembly
  • B72201S: Enhanced stability for precision applications
EPCOS Varistors (MOV)

Typical Specifications

Voltage Range

18V to 680V (continuous)

Energy Rating

Up to 400J for high-energy devices

Response Time

Sub-nanosecond response to transients

Capacitance

Typically 200pF to 30000pF

Gas Discharge Tubes (GDT)

EPCOS gas discharge tubes provide high-energy protection for applications requiring the ability to handle very large surge currents, such as telecom line protection and heavy industrial environments. These devices offer extremely low capacitance during normal operation and can handle surge currents from thousands of amperes while maintaining stable performance.

GDTs are particularly suited for applications where high-energy transients must be handled while minimizing impact on signal integrity. The devices feature multiple gas compositions and electrode configurations to optimize performance for specific application requirements.

Applications

  • Telecom line protection (primary protection)
  • Heavy industrial equipment protection
  • Coordinated protection systems
  • Railway signaling protection
  • Lightning protection systems

Key Series

  • B72200S: 2-electrode GDTs for general applications
  • B72201S: 3-electrode GDTs for balanced line protection
  • B72205S: High-voltage options for power applications
  • B72202S: Ultra-low capacitance for high-frequency applications
EPCOS Gas Discharge Tubes

Typical Specifications

Sparkover Voltage

75V to 10000V range

Impulse Rating

Up to 25kA (10/700µs)

Capacitance

1pF to 10pF (very low)

Response Time

0.1µs to 1.0µs

Polymer PTC (PPTC) Resettable Fuses

EPCOS PPTC devices provide self-resetting overcurrent protection that automatically returns to low-resistance state once the overcurrent condition is removed. These devices offer advantages over traditional fuses by eliminating the need for manual replacement after overcurrent events, reducing system downtime and maintenance costs.

Based on polymer substrate with conductive particles, PPTCs provide reliable protection with precise trip characteristics and can withstand multiple trip/reset cycles throughout their operational life. The devices come in radial leaded, SMD, and power pad configurations.

Applications

  • Portable device battery protection
  • Automotive circuit protection
  • Industrial power supply protection
  • Consumer electronics protection
  • Motor start protection

Key Series

  • B290S: SMD PPTC devices for automated assembly
  • B290L: Leaded PPTC for through-hole applications
  • B298S: High-voltage SMD options
  • B298L: High-voltage leaded options
EPCOS PPTC Resettable Fuses

Typical Specifications

Hold Current

20mA to 11A range

Voltage Rating

6V to 600V

Tripping Time

Under 1 second at 4×IH

Operating Temp

-40°C to +85°C

TBU High-Speed Protectors

EPCOS TBU devices combine overvoltage and overcurrent protection in a single component with extremely fast response times. These protection devices act as voltage-controlled switches that interrupt current flow when voltage exceeds the trip threshold, providing protection for sensitive circuits while maintaining low on-resistance during normal operation.

TBU devices are particularly suitable for protecting sensitive data lines and communication interfaces where both high-speed response and coordinated overvoltage/overcurrent protection are required. The devices provide bidirectional protection with low capacitance impact on high-speed signals.

Applications

  • Data line protection in telecommunications
  • USB and high-speed interface protection
  • Automotive data line protection
  • Industrial communication network protection
  • Medical equipment interface protection

Key Series

  • B73200S: Low voltage SMD TBU devices
  • B73202S: Medium voltage options
  • B73201S: High-voltage TBU series
  • B73203S: Bidirectional protection versions
EPCOS TBU High-Speed Protectors

Typical Specifications

Response Time

<1ns (extremely fast)

Voltage Range

24V to 400V

Current Limit

0.05A to 3.0A

Capacitance

<5pF (very low)

Coordinated Protection Solutions

EPCOS provides coordinated protection solutions that combine multiple protection technologies to maximize system protection while minimizing component stress. Proper coordination ensures that protection devices operate sequentially according to the energy and nature of the threat.

In a typical coordinated approach, GDTs or TBU devices provide primary high-energy protection, while varistors or TVS diodes provide secondary voltage clamping, and PPTC devices provide overcurrent protection. This layered approach maximizes protection effectiveness while preserving system availability.

Coordination Principles

  • Primary protection for high-energy events
  • Secondary voltage clamping for remaining energy
  • Overcurrent protection for sustained conditions
  • Proper voltage and energy coordination
  • Compatible response time sequencing

Benefits of Coordination

  • Extended protection system life
  • Reduced likelihood of single-point failures
  • More comprehensive protection coverage
  • Lower let-through energy to equipment
  • Reduced system downtime
EPCOS Coordinated Protection Solutions

Technical Resources

Protection Device Selection Guide

How to select the appropriate protection device for your specific application requirements

Download Guide

Coordinated Protection Design

Implementing multi-device protection systems for optimal performance

Download Guide

Automotive Protection Solutions

Protection strategies for automotive electronics applications

Download Guide

SPICE Models

Simulation models for EPCOS protection devices

Access Models

Need Protection Design Support?

Contact our protection specialists for assistance with selecting and implementing the optimal protection solution for your application

Contact Protection Specialist Request Design Review
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