The High Power Metal-Oxide Varistor as a Vehicular and Aircrcraft Transient Suppessor

The shunt-type transient suppressor currently being used by the U.S. Army for suppression of voltage transients in tactical and combat vehicles is applicable to military aircraft as well. Advances in metal-oxide varistor technology have led to the development of a low-cost, low-voltage device having a breakdown voltage designed for use in 28-V dc electrical systems. This paper discusses the avalanche diode and the metal-oxide varistor as high-power transient suppressors. lt shows that the metal-oxide varistor has a less effective voltage clamp at the required breakdown level of 33 to 36 volts.