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What is Resistive Varistor?
A resistive varistor, also commonly known as a voltage-dependent resistor (VDR) or metal-oxide varistor (MOV), is an electronic component that has a non-linear electrical resistance that changes with the applied voltage. The name “varistor” is a portmanteau of “variable resistor,” though it’s important to note that its resistance is not manually variable like a potentiometer, but rather changes automatically based on the voltage across it.
How it works?
The key characteristic of a varistor is its non-ohmic (non-linear) current-voltage behavior. Here’s a simplified explanation of its working principle:
- Normal Operation (Low Voltage): When the voltage applied across the varistor is below a certain threshold (its “varistor voltage” or “clamping voltage”), its electrical resistance is very high, acting almost like an open circuit. Only a very small “leakage current” flows through it. In this state, it has minimal impact on the circuit it’s protecting.
- Overvoltage Condition (High Voltage): When a voltage surge or transient occurs and the voltage across the varistor exceeds its threshold voltage, its resistance rapidly and dramatically decreases to a very low value. This allows a large current to flow through the varistor, effectively “clamping” the voltage across itself (and thus across the protected circuit) to a safe, relatively fixed level. The excess current is shunted away from sensitive components, protecting them from damage.
Resistive Varistor Products
20G-5KG Film Sensor
The RP-C18.3-ST resistive varistor is a flexible thin film sensor whose resistance value decreases as the pressure on the acting sensing zone increases.
100G-10KG Film Sensor
Force Sensing Resistor RP-C6-R resistive varistor is a flexible thin film sensor whose resistance value decreases as the pressure on the acting sensing zone increases.
500G-50KG Film Sensor
Force Sensing Resistor RP-C7.6-LT resistive varistor is a flexible thin film sensor whose resistance value decreases as the pressure on the acting sensing zone increases.
1KG-100KG Film Sensor
Force Sensing Resistors RP-S40-LT is a resistive varistor whose resistance value decreases as the pressure on the acting sensing zone increases.