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This section provides an overview for varistors as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 38 varistor manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked varistor companies as of December, 2024: 1.Semec Technology Company Limited, 2.ZOWIE Technology Corporation, 3.BESTBRIGHT ELECTRONICS CO.,LTD..
Table of Contents
A varistor is a semiconductor device with two electrodes whose resistance changes depending on the applied voltage.
The term varistor is derived from the combination of "variable" and "resistor," meaning "variable resistance." For this reason, it is sometimes called a non-direct resistance or a voltage-dependent resistance.
It is characterized by the fact that voltage and current are not proportional. When the voltage applied to the Varistor is low, the resistance is high, and when the voltage is high, the resistance is low.
Varistors vary in resistance according to voltage. This characteristic can be used to protect IC elements from static electricity or to protect electronic equipment from lightning surges.
If an abnormal voltage is applied to an element, such as an IC or an electronic device, it may lead to malfunction or destruction. In addition, when a high voltage is applied to a varistor, the resistance of the Varistor becomes low. This allows current to flow through the circuit more easily, and the voltage drop in the line impedance can reduce the load on the electronic equipment. Other uses of varistors include prevention of electrostatic discharge and shattering.
Electronic devices with external interface terminals, such as cell phones, music players, and USB devices, which are used in everyday life, are difficult to shield from static electricity and require the use of components to prevent static electricity. This is because the technological sophistication and difficulty of manufacturing these devices makes them susceptible to electrostatic discharge, which can easily destroy them.
Until now, the method of preventing static electricity has been to use Zener diodes, which provide a stable and constant voltage, but the development of small and inexpensive multilayer chip varistors has led to the use of varistors.
Commutator motor is a generic term for electric motors and power devices that have a mechanical commutator and brushes to switch the flowing current according to the rotation phase and to keep the power of the rotating shaft in a constant direction.
One type of commutator motor is a brush DC motor that has a part called a brush through which a direct current flows. The commutator, which rotates intermittently, generates high voltage and sparks, causing the brush to wear out and noise to be generated. Varistors are used to prevent this.
Varistors consist of a zinc oxide-based ceramic semiconductor sandwiched between two electrodes. Varistor characteristics can be expressed as I=KV^α, where I is the current and V is the voltage. where K is a constant specific to the device and α is the voltage non-linearity coefficient (α coefficient).
The voltage non-linearity coefficient is a coefficient that expresses the curvature after the refraction point, which is the point where the resistance transitions from low to high. The equivalent circuit of a Varistor consists of two upside-down Zener diodes connected in parallel with a capacitor.
From this, we can see that the varistor has a capacitor component, which means that the voltage across the varistor is low, and that the varistor has a small amount of capacitance when it has a high resistance.
Up to a certain voltage, the varistor has a structure that does not allow current to flow due to its high resistance, but when a load exceeding a certain voltage is applied, the voltage becomes higher than the resistance, and a large current flows due to the quantum mechanical tunneling effect. Therefore, when a high-voltage load is applied to an element or electronic device, the varistor serves to dissipate static electricity to ground and so on.
Varistors have a limited life span. You should select a varistor whose life can be properly determined based on the voltage applied to the varistor, the varistor's withstand capability, and a linear graph that shows the results of a surge waveform, which defines both the state in which the output is released and the state in which it is short-circuited. If the stipulations are greatly exceeded, the product may be damaged or shattered, leading to injury.
Another similar structure is the Zener diode, but there is a slight difference because it has symmetrical current-voltage characteristics and has no polarity.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Dean Technology, Inc. (DTI) was founded in 1989 in Texas as a manufacturer of high voltage, high power, and suppression products. The company offers a wide range of product line, including Diodes and Rectifiers, High Voltage Capacitors, Power Supplies and components, Test Equipment, and Optical devices, which are used in manufacturing industries that require the use of power components and related equipment. Dean Technology also researches and develops technological solutions that are applicable on high-voltage power supplies.
KOA Speer Electronics Inc. (KSE), founded in 1980 and currently a subsidiary of KOA Corporation, is a passive component manufacturer based in Bradford, Pennsylvania, United States. The company's portfolio includes thick film resistors, ranging from precision and surge current to wide terminal options. It also produces low-resistance current sense or shunt resistors and leaded resistors. Inductors, thermal sensors, and fuses are also part of the company’s product lineup. Certified with ISO 9001:2015 and IATF 16949:2016, the company serves various industries, such as automotive electronics, energy, and medical equipment. It also provides customized electronic data interchange (EDI) for customers’ data access.
Littlefuse was founded in 1927 and headquartered in the United States. Littlefuse is a diversified industrial technology manufacturing company with customers globally. Littlefuse has products segments which are electronic, industrial, and transportation. Electronic segment products include fuses and fuse accessories, positive temperature coefficient resettable fuses, polymer electrostatic discharge suppressors, and varistors. Transportation products include blade, resettable, and high-current and high-voltage fuses, as well as battery cable protectors; fuses, switches, relays, circuit breakers, and power distribution modules. The Industrial segment offerings include contactors, transformers, and temperature sensors for use in renewable energy and energy storage systems, electric vehicle infrastructure, HVAC systems.
New Jersey Semiconductor, established in 1957 and based in Springfield, NJ, USA, is an ISO 9001:2015 certified manufacturer and supplier of electronic devices. The company's product range includes RF diodes, regulator diodes, bipolar transistors, FET transistors, and IGBT transistors. These products are designed for various circuitry and electronic operations in different environments. They serve industries such as military, avionics, industrial, and commercial. The company offers services including knowledgeable sales support, engineering and technical guidance, and prompt delivery from its inventory.
Abracon LLC, founded in 1992 with headquarters in the USA, is an ISO 9001:2015 manufacturer of precision electronic components for the aerospace, defense, security, medical, and transport markets worldwide. The company's core products include RADAR and LIDAR systems, radio communications, datalinks, aircraft computing, and head-up displays. Transportation products include crystals, oscillators, antennas, and inductors for transportation applications in harsh environments. Abracon LLC's medical solutions include hospital beds, bedside patient monitors, MRIs, and surgery-assisted robotics.
KEMET has a portfolio of over 1,600 patents serving the automotive, aerospace, industrial, telecommunications, computing, consumer, and medical devices. KEMETs devices provide filtering, sensing, energy storage, power conversion, and haptic actuator technology. Among these devices are capacitors, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) components, resistors, circuit protection devices, inductors, sensors, Piezoelectric devices, release, transformers, and engineering kits.
AEM (American Electronic Materials), founded in San Diego, California, and established in 1986, is a developer and manufacturer of SMD components for circuit protection applications. Their products include SolidMatrix Chip Fuse, AirMatrix SMD Wire-In-Air Fuse, CMF High Power Fuse, Thin Film Fuse, and Multilayer Varistors. Their platform is focused on providing solutions for automotive, battery management systems, power tools, IT, and PC. These products help prevent damage to electronic devices and systems by interrupting the flow of electricity in the event of an overload or short circuit, ensuring the safety of electronic systems.
Bourns, Inc. is a family-owned company founded in 1947 and currently headquartered in Riverside, California. Bourns is a developer, manufacturer, and supplier of electronic components for several industries including automotive, industrial, instrumentation, medical, consumer, and portable electronics. Bourns operates in 4 market segments: automotive, circuit protection, power conversion, and sensing. The automotive segment produces sensors for almost every use in vehicles including steering, stability, fuel management, and temperature control. Power conversion segment products are used in renewable energy and automotive power. Sensing products are also used in heavy equipment, medical equipment, and welding equipment.
Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. (Vishay) was incorporated in 1962 and is headquartered in Malvern, Pennsylvania. The company serves the industrial, automotive, telecommunications, consumer products, and medical end markets and sells its products under numerous brand names inlcuding Siliconix, Draloric, Beyschlag, UltraSource, and Applied Thin-Film Products. The company manufactures and sells discrete semiconductors and passive electronic components in globally while operating in six market segments: MOSFETs, diodes, optoelectronic components, resistors, inductors, and capacitors.
Littelfuse founded in 1927, is an industrial manufacturing company empowering a sustainable, connected, and safer world, headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, United States. The company's product portfolio includes the solutions for both individual and entire systems, as a global manufacturer of technologies in circuit protection, power control, and sensing. Across more than 20 countries, and with approximately 18,000 global associates, partner with customers to design and deliver advanced solutions. Serving over 100,000 end customers, their products are found in industrial, transportation, and electronics end markets.
No Time Delay Electronics (NTD Electronics) is based out of Lake Forest, California. NTD Electronics is an independent kitting house and broadline stocking distributor that connects countless customers with over 1000 manufacturers worldwide. NTD Electronics offers products from many categories including amplifiers, cables, capacitors, circuit breakers and accessories, fuses, fuse accessories and fuse holders, PTC resettable fuses, coils, connectors, crystals, diodes, fans, fuses, hardware, heatsinks, inductors, integrated circuits, potentiometers, relays, resistors, switches, transformers, transistors, trimmers, and wire.
NIC Components Corp., and Nippon Industries Co. Ltd. have collaborated for over 37 years to design and manufacture passive components, including capacitors, resistors, and magnetics. Established in the USA in 1982, NIC has expanded its business to the custom speciality that meets the demands of today’s emerging and latest technology. Their regional offices can be found in Canada, Malaysia, India, Mexico, China, etc. All of their products are built with more features and are certified with different ISO certifications. They also assist their customers in component selection through live support.
TDK Electronics, established in 1935 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a developer, manufacturer of electronic components and systems. Its product portfolio spans capacitors, ferrites, and inductors, including piezo and protection devices. The company also offers sensors and sensor systems, covering temperature, pressure, magnetic, and MEMS sensors. Furthermore, TDK provides power supplies, energy devices, magnetic heads, and more, all branded under TDK, EPCOS, InvenSense, Micronas, Tronics, and TDK-Lambda, catering to diverse electronic needs. The company operates about 20 development and manufacturing sites, along with a network of design, manufacturing locations, and sales offices situated in Asia, Europe, North America, and South America.
Würth Elektronik Group, established in 1969 in Germany, is a manufacturer and supplier of quality electronic and electromechanical components. Their extensive product catalog includes passive components, connectors, inductors, sensors, and more, catering to various industries like automotive, telecommunications, and industrial automation. Würth Elektronik's components are integral to building ideal electronic circuits, enabling seamless data transfer and power management. Courtesy of its creativity and sustainability, it aims to provide cutting-edge solutions and good customer service, meeting the diverse needs of its global clientele.
KOA Corporation, established in 1940 in Minowa-machi, Japan, is a manufacturer of electronic components. The company provides an extensive product range including resistors, current sense shunt resistors, fuses, thermal sensors, and inductors. These quality components find applications in industries such as automotive, ecology, energy conservation, telecommunications, power supply units, and home appliances. Operating under the guiding principles of circulation, finite resources, harmony, and enrichment, it continues to provide sustainable electronic solutions to cater to the ever-changing demands of global industries.
Nippon Chemi-Con Corporation. was established in 1931 and is a manufacturer of aluminum-based products, precision mechanical components, and electronics equipment based in Shinagawa, Tokyo, Japan. The company's product portofolio offers various products such as aluminum electrolytic capacitors, multilayer ceramic capacitors, inductors, camera module, and silicon wafer. The products have been used in various application such as electric power steering, direct injection engine control, solar power inverter, switching power supply, and automotive micro computer power supply. The company has passed the ISO 9001, IATF 16949, and ISO 14001 standards certification. The products are manufactured under the compliance of RoHS and REACH/SVHC standards.
KAO Corporation has its head office in Nagano, Japan, and was established in 1940 as a manufacturer of resistors. The company deals in various resistors such as SMD, Leaded, Low resistance, and Current Sense Shunts. There are other products as well including thermal sensors. ICs, fuses, inductors, varistors, and more. The use of these components is vast with applications in medical equipment, satellites, automotive, home appliances, power supply units, and similar. Even the Ecology and Energy Saving industry benefit from these tools. the company also provides Design Support Tools in the form of 3D designs, and Technical notes.
Panasonic Industry Europe is the European branch of Panasonic, a global manufacturer of electronics and houseware, originally founded in 1918. Panasonic Industry Europe manufactures in 4 categories: components, devices, energy & building, and automation devices & solutions. Components include relays, capacitors, resistors, sensors, switches, connectors, couplers. Devices include wireless connectivity, e-bike systems, motors, compressors, thermal solutions, GPS antennas, as well as electronic materials. Energy & building includes batteries, fuel cells, solar sells, power tools, and home IoT. Automation devices & solutions include sensors for factory automation, industrial motors, laser welding, and more.
Thinking Electronic Industrial Co., Ltd., established in 1979 with headquarters in Taiwan, is a manufacturer of circuit protection components for over-voltage protection, over-temperature protection, and over-current protection. The company's product line includes NTC thermistors, ceramic PTC thermistors, polymer PTC resettable fuses, temperature sensors, and gas discharge tubes. Thinking Electronic Industrial Co., Ltd.'s products are used in EV batteries, surge protection devices for 5G mobile infrastructure, kitchen appliances, and photovoltaic systems, among many others. The company also provides custom product design and development services.
ZOWIE Technology Corporation was founded in 1994 as a manufacturer of semiconductor products in Taiwan. The company deals in Transistors, Transient Voltage Suppressors, and Rectifiers of various kinds like the Schottky Bridge, Schottky Barrier, Standard and Fast Recovery ones, and even High Thermal Performance Bridge Rectifiers. There are also Power devices and High Voltage products that have applications in the Automotive industry for ignition, headlights, power steering, fuel pump sensors, and more. Other industries that utilize ZOWIE products are LED Lighting, Mobile Phones, Electric Vehicle, PC and Digital cameras.
BrightKing, founded in 2001 with headquarters in Taiwan and manufacturing facilities in China, is a manufacturer of circuit protection components and a provider of circuit protection solutions. The company's product line includes voltage suppressors, electrostatic dischargers, gas discharge tubes, and other related products used in a wide range of consumer devices, from personal computing to home appliances, home surge protection, and infrastructure projects including mobile base stations. BrightKing also provides consulting and technical support with global distribution, custom manufacturing, sample delivery, prototype testing, and direct shipping.
Samwha Capacitor Group, founded in 1956 in South Korea, is a specialty manufacturer of passive components, specializing in capacitors. The company's products include EMI filters, varistors, chip inductors, power capacitors, and energy storage capacitors used in various applications by original equipment manufacturers, from small consumer batteries, personal device batteries, and industrial-grade batteries to large infrastructure power stations. Samwha Capacitor Group comprises Samwha Capacitor, Samwha Electric, Samwha Electronics, Samwha Tecom, and Korea JCC.
INPAQ, founded in Taiwan, is a supplier of circuit protection components and antenna products. The company's product portfolio includes f Circuit Protection、EMI/EMC Solutions, Power Solutions and RF Antennas that are used for computing, communication, consumer electronics, and automotive electronics.The company serves markets including Medical and Healthcare, Aerospace and Defense, Consumer Goods, Industrial Manufacturing and Construction and Building. The company has 14 laboratories and test facilities in Taiwan and China including Sales and FAE support in Taiwan, China, Korea & North America.
Lision Technology Inc. is a Taiwanese manufacturer of discrete, motor and analog integrated circuit (IC) products established in 2001 and based in Zhongli City, Taoyuan. The company manufactures various discrete products including diodes and metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs), analog products such as regulators and timers, and motor products including application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). They also offer design support and capacity planning services for customers requiring technical assistance. Lision Technology Inc. primarily serves client companies and OEMs in the consumer electronics, computing, and communication sectors.
Passive System Alliance Properity Dielectric Co. Ltd. is a passive component manufacturer established in 1990 and headquartered in Yang-Mei, TaoYuan, Taiwan. In 2005, the company entered into a strategic alliance with WTC, and in 2008, it formally merged with Hongdian Electronics, expanding its sales scope from dielectric ceramic powder, semiconducting ceramic capacitor tiles, multilayer ceramic capacitors, and chip resistors to inductors. The company is capable of meeting market demands by initiating material research and development and integrating and developing electronic components as required by customers.
Xiamen SET Electronics Co. Ltd., established in 2000 and headquartered in Xiamen, China, is a manufacturer of circuit protection components. The company provides technology that includes over-temperature protection, over-voltage protection, and over-current protection. Its products include cartridge fuse-links, surge protection fuses for low-power systems, and gas discharge tubes. These components are used in various applications, including for home appliances, personal computing, and lighting products. It serves industries that include telecommunications, new energy, and automotive.
Walsin Technology Corporation (also known as WTC and Passive Component), founded in 1970 and incorporated as Walsin Technology Corporation in 1992 with facilities in Taiwan and China, is a manufacturer of passive components. The company's products include MLCC, Chip-R, RF, DISC, varistors (VZ, VH, and SR series), and inductor parts used in the mobile communications, networking, automotive, green energy, and IoT industries, among others. Walsin Technology Corp.’s products are REACH-certified, and the company holds ISO 9001, IATF 16949, IECQ HSPM certifications, and an Authorized Economic Operator Certification.
Fatech Electronic CO., LTD., located in Shunde, Foshan City, China is a manufacturer and supplier of surge protection devices established in The company’s product portfolio includes socket surge protectors, lightning rods & surge counters, surge filters, test devices, and surge arresters used in electric, transportation, communications, energy, military, and public safety fields. It has achieved the ISO9001: 2005 certification and its products are TUV, CE, certified and has achieved the test reports of accredited laboratories with CNAS and ILAC.
Reissmann Sensortechnik GmbH, a company established in 1989, is based in Rosengarten, Germany, as a manufacturer and distributor of electronic and mechanical components. It manufactures components such as start capacitors, brake rectifiers, sensor cable multi-pin, plug-in modules, and gas flow sensors. The company obtained several certifications, including DIN EN ISO 14001 and DIN EN ISO 9001 certifications. Its manufactured products are catered to machinery, mining, railway vehicles, automobile, and electronic industries across several regions, namely Germany, Poland, Austria, Finland, and Denmark.
RS Components Ltd. is a distributor of electrical components, founded in 1937 and located in Corby, Northamptonshire. Their product range includes, but is not limited to, electronic connectors, cables, wires, as well as enclosures, relays, and switches. The company serves multiple industries, including Food & Beverage, Marine, Electronics, Automotive, and more. Worldwide delivery requirements are accommodated with support for multiple freight options, and the company also specializes in hazardous packaging compliant with IATA standards.
Hybrid Electronics is a global distribution specialist of electronic components, with access to over 50 million unique components. Among the markets HE serves are the aerospace, automotive, communications, defense, industrial, medical, national security, and test & measurement industries. In addition to components, HE also provides quality and compliance testing, counterfeit detection, upscreening, and other forms of quality control. Examples of component subtypes that HE offers include ICs, batteries, capacitors, semiconductor products, sensors, circuit protection, interconnectors, filters, optoelectronics, relays, switches, power supplies, and cables and cable assemblies.
Ranking as of December 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Semec Technology Company Limited |
8.1%
|
| 2 | ZOWIE Technology Corporation |
6.1%
|
| 3 | BESTBRIGHT ELECTRONICS CO.,LTD. |
4.8%
|
| 4 | New Jersey Semiconductor |
4.2%
|
| 5 | AEM Components, Inc. |
4.0%
|
| 6 | Littelfuse, Inc |
4.0%
|
| 7 | Fatech Electronic CO., LTD. |
3.6%
|
| 8 | Xiamen SET Electronics Co.,Ltd. |
3.6%
|
| 9 | Vishay Intertechnology, Inc., |
3.6%
|
| 10 | KOA Speer Electronics Inc |
3.4%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the varistor page as of December 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
|
United States of America
|
13 | 43.3% |
|
Japan
|
5 | 16.7% |
|
Germany
|
5 | 16.7% |
|
Taiwan
|
3 | 10.0% |
|
China
|
3 | 10.0% |
|
Republic of Korea
|
1 | 3.3% |
56 products found
56 products
Hikari Alphax Co., Ltd.
10+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 day ago
Fast Response
Oizumi Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
110+ people viewing
Last viewed: 5 hours ago
The general-purpose disc type ZR series is a low-voltage varistor that is ideal as an element to protect electronic equipment, control equipment, a...
Nippon Chemi-Con Corporation.
780+ people viewing
Last viewed: 21 hours ago
Very Fast Response
This is a product with significantly improved surge current withstand capacity and energy withstand capacity. *Other model numbers are available.
10 models listed
Nippon Chemi-Con Corporation.
610+ people viewing
Last viewed: 2 hours ago
Very Fast Response
A highly reliable varistor that suppresses burning and scattering of the exterior resin. *Other model numbers are available.
10 models listed
Nippon Chemi-Con Corporation.
500+ people viewing
Last viewed: 10 minutes ago
Very Fast Response
High energy withstand low voltage varistor suitable for automotive use. *Other model numbers are available.
10 models listed
Nippon Chemi-Con Corporation.
490+ people viewing
Last viewed: 10 hours ago
Very Fast Response
A highly reliable product that combines a varistor and a thermal fuse.
6 models listed
Oizumi Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
70+ people viewing
Last viewed: 5 hours ago
MNR varistors are ceramic semiconductors made using zinc oxide as the main ingredient and several additives added in a well-controlled process. It ...
Nimatsu Electric Co., Ltd.
80+ people viewing
Last viewed: 8 minutes ago
Very Fast Response
CNR CeNtRa Science is a Taiwanese lightning protection component manufacturer founded in 1992. Our main products include surge absorbers (varistors...
Nimatsu Electric Co., Ltd.
70+ people viewing
Last viewed: 9 hours ago
Very Fast Response
JOYIN is a Taiwanese varistor, NTC thermistor, and temperature sensor manufacturer founded in 1984. Our main factory is located in Taoyuan City, Ta...
Nimatsu Electric Co., Ltd.
50+ people viewing
Last viewed: 8 hours ago
Very Fast Response
Prosperity Dielectrics Founded in 1990, Prosperity Dielectrics is a Taiwanese manufacturer of ceramic dielectric powders, disk-type semiconductor c...
Nimatsu Electric Co., Ltd.
60+ people viewing
Last viewed: 8 hours ago
Very Fast Response
Zonkas is a manufacturer of capacitors, inductors, transformers, thermistors, etc., established in Taiwan in 1982. The company is headquartered in ...
Nimatsu Electric Co., Ltd.
60+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 day ago
Very Fast Response
CHIEFCON is a Taiwanese manufacturer of film capacitors, ceramic capacitors, and varistors, established in 1985. The company is headquartered in Ta...
Keisei Co., Ltd.
20+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 day ago
Standard Response
■Features ・Bidirectional surge absorption possible ・Low junction capacitance ・Terminal Pb free ・RoHS:Yes
Keisei Co., Ltd.
20+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 day ago
Standard Response
■Applications ・Protection of various semiconductor elements from overvoltage. -Protection of various equipment from induced lightning surges. - Ab...
Tokin America, Inc
200+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 day ago
■Summary YAGEO offers complete circuit protection solutions with overvoltage protection components and overcurrent protection components. TVS, MOV,...
10 models listed
