Author_Institution :
Matsushita Electr. Ind. Co., Ltd., Osaka, Japan
Abstract :
An overview is given of zinc oxide varistors, which are made of semiconducting ceramics with highly nonohmic current-voltage characteristics, which originate at the grain boundaries. These varistors are widely utilized to protect electric power lines and electronic components against dangerous voltage surges. This overview covers electrical characteristics, fabrication methods, effects of additives, microstructures, the conduction mechanism, degradation, and applications.<>
Keywords :
II-VI semiconductors; ceramics; grain boundaries; varistors; zinc compounds; additives; conduction mechanism; degradation; electric power lines; electrical characteristics; electronic components; fabrication; grain boundaries; nonohmic current-voltage characteristics; semiconducting ceramics; voltage surges; Ceramics; Current-voltage characteristics; Electronic components; Grain boundaries; Protection; Semiconductivity; Surges; Varistors; Voltage; Zinc oxide;
