Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. (NYSE: VSH) today announced the release of the industrys first surface-mount C0G multilayer ceramic chip capacitors (MLCCs) designed to prevent surface arc-over. The new devices provide maximum capacitance in high-voltage ratings and an increased capacitor voltage breakdown.

The new VJ0805, VJ1206, and VJ1210 HVArc Guard MLCCs feature a unique and patent-pending internal design structure that prevents surface arc-over at high voltages. This design allows for higher capacitances 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, and telecommunications applications.

The three HVArc Guard capacitors released today feature capacitances ranging from 10 pF to 2700 pF in smaller case sizes than standard high-voltage MLCCs, and offer twice the standard voltage breakdown with voltage ratings from 1000 VDC to 1500 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 C0G MLCCs are currently available, with lead times of approximately eight weeks. Pricing for U.S. delivery starts at $0.14 each.