Vishay Intertechnology Inc. announced the release of the industry’s first surface-mount X7R multilayer ceramic chip capacitors (MLCC) designed to prevent surface arc-over. The new devices provide maximum capacitance in high-voltage ratings and an increased capacitor voltage breakdown.

The new VJ1206, VJ1210, VJ1808 and VJ1812 HVArc Guard™ MLCCs feature a unique, patent-pending internal design structure that prevents surface arc-over at high voltages. This design allows for higher capacitances than standard high-voltage MLCCs, and facilitates the use of smaller case sizes in high-voltage products, allowing for device miniaturization and reducing component cost.

Optimized for applications including buck and boost DC-to-DC converters, voltage multipliers for flyback converters, and lighting ballast circuits, the new devices will be used in lighting systems and power supplies for medical, computer, motor control, construction and mining, and telecommunications applications.

The four HVArc Guard capacitors released feature capacitances ranging from 100 pF to 0.27 μF, and offer twice the standard voltage breakdown with voltage ratings from 250 to 1000 VDC. The devices eliminate the need for conformal coating, and can replace wire leaded through-hole capacitors.

Samples and production quantities of the new VJ HVArc Guard surface-mount X7R MLCCs are currently available, with lead times of approximately eight weeks. Pricing for US delivery starts at $0.14.