Varistor Products
©2011 Littelfuse, Inc.
Revision: November 30, 2011
MLA Varistor Series
Surface Mount Multilayer Varistors (MLVs) > MLA Series
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Please refer to www.littelfuse.com/series/ML.html or MLA.html for current information.
MLA Series
MLA Varistor Series
RoHS
Description
The MLA Series (also known as "ML" series) family of
transient voltage surge suppression devices is based on
the Littelfuse Multilayer fabrication technology. These
components are designed to suppress a variety of
transient events, including those specified in IEC 61000-4-2
or other standards used for Electromagnetic Compliance
(EMC). The MLA Series is typically applied to protect
integrated circuits and other components at the circuit
board level.
The wide operating voltage and energy range make the
MLA Series suitable for numerous applications on power
supply, control and signal lines.
The MLA Series is manufactured from semiconducting
ceramics, and is supplied in a leadless, surface mount
package. The MLA Series is compatible with modern
reflow and wave soldering procedures.
It can operate over a wider temperature range than Zener
diodes, and has a much smaller footprint than plastic-
housed components.
Littelfuse Inc. manufactures other multilayer series
products. See the MLE Series data sheet for ESD
applications, MHS Series data sheet for high-speed ESD
applications, the MLN Series for multiline protection and
the AUML Series for automotive applications.
Features
t RoHS compliant
t -FBEMFTT
0805, 1206 and
1210 chip sizes
t .VMUJMBZFSDFSBNJD
construction technology
t ¡$UP¡$
operating temp. range
t 0QFSBUJOHWPMUBHFSBOHF
VM(DC) = 5.5V to 120V
t 3BUFEGPSTVSHF
current (8 x 20μs)
t 3BUFEGPSFOFSHZ
(10 x 1000μs)
t *OIFSFOUCJEJSFDUJPOBM
clamping
t 4UBOEBSEMPXDBQBDJUBODF
types available
Applications
t 4VQQSFTTJPOPGJOEVDUJWF
switching or other
transient events such as
EFT and surge voltage at
the circuit board level
t &4%QSPUFDUJPOGPS*&$
61000-4-2, MIL-STD-
DNFUIPE
and other industry
specifications (see also
the MLE or MLN Series)
t 1SPWJEFTPOCPBSE
transient voltage
protection for ICS
and transistors
t 6TFEUPIFMQBDIJFWF
electromagnetic
compliance of
end products
t 3FQMBDFMBSHFSTVSGBDF
mount TVS Zeners in
many applications
Size Table
Metric EIA
1005 0402
1608 
2012 0805
 1206
 1210
Absolute Maximum Ratings
For ratings of individual members of a series, see device ratings and specifications table.
Continuous ML Series Units
Steady State Applied Voltage:
DC Voltage Range (VM(DC)) UP V
AC Voltage Range (VM(AC)RMS) UP V
Transient:
Non-Repetitive Surge Current, 8/20μs Waveform, (ITM) 4 to 500 A
Non-Repetitive Surge Energy, 10/1000μs Waveform, (WTM) 0.02 to 2.5 J
0QFSBUJOH"NCJFOU5FNQFSBUVSF3BOHF5A)UP ºC
Storage Temperature Range (TSTG)UP ºC
Temperature Coefficient (DV) of Clamping Voltage (VC) at
Specified Test Current <0.01 %/º C
Varistor Products
©2011 Littelfuse, Inc.
Revision: November 30, 2011
MLA Varistor Series
Surface Mount Multilayer Varistors (MLVs) > MLA Series
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Please refer to www.littelfuse.com/series/ML.html or MLA.html for current information.
Device Ratings and Specifications
Part Number
Maximum Ratings (125º C)Specifications (25ºC)
Maximum
Continuous
Working Voltage
Maximum Non-
repetitive Surge
Current (8/20μs)
Maximum Non-
repetitive Surge
Energy (10/1000μs)
Maximum Clamping
Voltage at 1A (or as
Noted) (8/20μs)
Nominal Voltage
at 1mA DC Test
Current
Typical
Capacitance
at f = 1MHz
VM(DC) VM(AC) ITM WTM VC
VN(DC)
Min
VN(DC)
Max C
(V) (V) (A) (J) (V) (V) (V) (pF)
7.-"/5 2.5  0.100    
7.-"/  2.5 120     
7.-"-/  2.5 40 0.100    
7.-"/  2.5 100     6000
V5.5MLA0402N 5.5 4.0 20 0.050 21.0  10.8 220
V5.5MLA0402LN 5.5 4.0 20 0.050   21.5 
7.-"/55.5 4.0  0.100    500
7.-"-/45.5 4.0  0.100    450
V5.5MLA0805N 5.5 4.0 120     1840
V5.5MLA0805LN 5.5 4.0 40 0.100    400
V5.5MLA1206N 5.5 4.0 150 0.400    
7.-"/  6.5 20 0.050  11.0 16.0 120
7.-"-/  6.5 4 0.020  11.0 16.0 
7.-"/5 6.5  0.100 25.5 11.0 16.0 
7.-"-/4 6.5  0.100 25.5 11.0 16.0 
7.-"-/  6.5 40 0.100 25.5 11.0 16.0 520
V12MLA0805LN 12.0  40 0.100  14.0 18.5 410
V14MLA0402N 14.0 10.0 20 0.050   21.5 
7.-"/ 14.0 10.0  0.100   21.5 180
V14MLA0805N 14.0 10.0 120     560
V14MLA0805LN 14.0 10.0 40 0.100    
V14MLA1206N 14.0 10.0 150 0.400    1400
V18MLA0402N 18.0 14.0 20 0.050 50.0 22.0 28.0 40
7.-"/ 18.0 14.0  0.100 50.0 22.0 28.0 120
V18MLA0805N 18.0 14.0 120  44.0 22.0 28.0 520
V18MLA0805LN 18.0 14.0 40 0.100 44.0 22.0 28.0 
V18MLA1206N 18.0 14.0 150 0.400 44.0 22.0 28.0 
V18MLA1210N 18.0 14.0 500 2.500 44.0 at 2.5 22.0 28.0 1440
7.-"/ 26.0 20.0  0.100 60.0   110
V26MLA0805N 26.0 20.0 100  60.0   220
V26MLA0805LN 26.0 20.0 40 0.100 60.0   140
V26MLA1206N 26.0 20.0 150 0.600 60.0   600
V26MLA1210N 26.0 20.0  1.200 60.0 at 2.5   1040
7.-"/  25.0  0.100   46.0 
7.-"-/  25.0  0.100   46.0 
7.-"/  25.0 280 1.200 68.0 at 2.5   1820
7.-"-/  25.0 220  68.0 at 2.5   
7.-"/  26.0 180 0.800    500
V42MLA1206N 42.0  180 0.800  46.0 60.0 425
V48MLA1206N 48.0 40.0 180  100 54.5 66.5 
V48MLA1210N 48.0 40.0 250 1.200 105.0 at 2.5 54.5 66.5 520
V48MLA1210LN 48.0 40.0 220  105.0 at 2.5 54.5 66.5 500
V56MLA1206N 56.0 40.0 180 1.000 120.0 61.0  180
V60MLA1210N 60.0 50.0 250 1.500 BU   440
V68MLA1206N 68.0 50.0 180 1.000 140.0   100
V85MLA1210N 85.0  250 2.500 180.0 at 2.5  115.0 260
V120MLA1210N 120.0  125 2.000 260.0 at 2.5  165.0 80
/05&4
1 'L' suffix is a low capacitance and energy version; Contact your Littelfuse sales representative for custom capacitance requirements
2 Typical leakage at 25ºC<25μA, maximum leakage 100μA at VM(DC); for 0402 size, typical leakage <5μA, maximum leakage <20μA at VM(DC)
 "WFSBHFQPXFSEJTTJQBUJPOPGUSBOTJFOUTGPSBOETJ[FTOPUUPFYDFFE8888BOE8SFTQFDUJWFMZ
 *UFNJTBWBJMBCMFBTh3hQBDLJOHPQUJPOPOMZ"MMTJ[FJUFNTBWBJMBCMFBTh3hQBDLBHJOHPQUJPOPOMZ4FF1BDLBHJOHTFDUJPOGPSBEEJUJPOBMJOGPSNBUJPO
 *UFNJTBWBJMBCMFJOh)hh5hBOEh"hQBDLJOHPQUJPOPOMZ"MMBOEQBSUTDPNFBTh)hh5hBOEh"hQBDLJOHPQUJPOPOMZ4FF1BDLBHJOHTFDUJPOGPSBEEJUJPOBMJOGPSNBUJPO
Varistor Products
©2011 Littelfuse, Inc.
Revision: November 30, 2011
MLA Varistor Series
Surface Mount Multilayer Varistors (MLVs) > MLA Series
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Please refer to www.littelfuse.com/series/ML.html or MLA.html for current information.
MLA Series
Peak Current and Energy Derating Curve
When transients occur in rapid succession, the average
power dissipation is the energy (watt-seconds) per pulse
times the number of pulses per second. The power so
developed must be within the specifications shown
on the Device Ratings and Specifications Table for the
TQFDJmDEFWJDF'PSBQQMJDBUJPOTFYDFFEJOH¡$BNCJFOU
temperature, the peak surge current and energy ratings
must be derated as shown below.
100
80
60
40
20
0
-55 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150
PERCENT OF RATED VALUE
AMBIENT TEMPERATURE ( oC)
T
1
T
2
100
50
0
O1TIME
PERCENT OF PEAK VALUE
T
Peak Pulse Current Test Waveform for Clamping Voltage
Limit V-I Characteristic for V9MLA0402L
Limit V-I Characteristic for V5.5MLA0402 to V18MLA0402
Limit V-I Characteristic for V3.5MLA0603 to V30MLA0603
1
10
100
1μA 10μA 100μA 1mA 10mA 1A 10A 100A
V9MLA0402L
V5.5MLA0402L
Varistor Voltage (V)
Current (A)
Limit V-I Characteristic for V3.5MLA0805L to V30MLA0805L
1
10
100
1000
10μA 100μA 1mA 10mA 100mA 1A 10A 100A
V5.5MLA0805L
V3.5MLA0805L
V9MLA0805L
V12MLA0805L
V14MLA0805L
V18MLA0805L
V26MLA0805L
V30MLA0805L
Varistor Voltage (V)
Current (A)
1
10
100
1000
10
μA
100
μA
1mA 10mA 100mA 1A 10A 100A
V30MLA0603
V26MLA0603
V18MLA0603
V14MLA0603
V9MLA0603, V9MLA0603L
V5.5MLA0603, V5.5MLA0603L
V3.5MLA0603
Varistor Voltage (V)
Current (A)
1
10
100
1μA 10μA 100μA 1mA 10mA 1A 10A 100A
Current (A)
V18MLA0402
V14MLA0402
V9MLA0402
V5.5MLA0402
Varistor Voltage (V)
017JSUVBM0SJHJOPG8BWF
55JNFGSPNUPPG1FBL
T1 = Rise Time = 1.25 x T
T2 = Decay Time
Example - For an 8/20 μT$VSSFOU8BWFGPSN
8μs = T1 = Rise Time
20μs = T2 = Decay Time
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3 Figure 4
Figure 5 Figure 6
Varistor Products
©2011 Littelfuse, Inc.
Revision: November 30, 2011
MLA Varistor Series
Surface Mount Multilayer Varistors (MLVs) > MLA Series
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Please refer to www.littelfuse.com/series/ML.html or MLA.html for current information.
Limit V-I Characteristic for V3.5MLA1206 to V68MLA1206
Limit V-I Characteristic for V3.5MLA0805 to V26MLA0805
1
10
100
1000
10μA 100μA 1mA 10mA 100mA 1A 10A 100A 1000A
V5.5MLA0805
V3.5MLA0805
V14MLA0805
V18MLA0805
V26MLA0805
Varistor Voltage (V)
Current (A)
Limit V-I Characteristic for V18MLA1210 to V120MLA1210
1
10
100
1000
10
μA
100
μA
1mA 10mA 100mA 1A 10A 100A 1000A
Current (A)
V68MLA1206
V56MLA1206
V42MLA1206
V33MLA1206
V26MLA1206
V18MLA1206
V14MLA1206
V5.5MLA1206
V3.5MLA1206
Varistor Voltage (V)
1mA10μA 100μA
CURRENT (A)
10mA 100mA 1A 10A 100A 1000A
MAXIMUM CLAMPING VOLTAGE
MAXIMUM LEAKAGE
V60MLA1210
V85MLA1210
V120MLA1210
V48MLA1210, V48MLA1210L
V30MLA1210, V30MLA1210L
V26MLA1210
V18MLA1210
100
10
Varistor Voltage (V)
1000
1
Figure 7
Figure 8
Figure 9
Varistor Products
©2011 Littelfuse, Inc.
Revision: November 30, 2011
MLA Varistor Series
Surface Mount Multilayer Varistors (MLVs) > MLA Series
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Please refer to www.littelfuse.com/series/ML.html or MLA.html for current information.
MLA Series
Device Characteristics
At low current levels, the V-I curve of the multilayer
transient voltage suppressor approaches a linear (ohmic)
relationship and shows a temperature dependent effect.
At or below the maximum working voltage, the suppressor
is in a high resistance modex (approaching 106Ω at its
maximum rated working voltage). Leakage currents at
maximum rated voltage are below 100μA, typically 25μA;
for 0402 size below 20μA, typically 5μA.
100%
1E-9 1E-8
SUPPRESSOR CURRENT (ADC)
10%
1E-7 1E-6 1E-5 1E-4 1E-3 1E-2
25 50 75 100 125oC
SUPPRESSOR VOLTAGE IN PERCENT OF
VNOM VALUE AT 25 oC (%)
o
oo
o
Clamping Voltage Over Temperature (VC at 10A)
100
10
20
V26MLA1206
40 60 80 100 120 140
TEMPERATURE (oC)
CLAMPING VOLTAGE (V)
V5.5MLA1206
0-20-40-60
Typical Temperature Dependance of the Haracteristic
Curve in the Leakage Region
Speed of Response
The Multilayer Suppressor is a leadless device. Its
response time is not limited by the parasitic lead
inductances found in other surface mount packages.
The response time of the ZN0EJFMFDUSJDNBUFSJBMJTMFTT
than 1ns and the MLA can clamp very fast dV/dT events
such as ESD. Additionally, in "real world" applications,
the associated circuit wiring is often the greatest
factor effecting speed of response. Therefore, transient
suppressor placement within a circuit can be considered
important in certain instances.
GRAINS
DEPLETION
FIRED CERAMIC
DIELECTRIC
REGION
METAL
ELECTRODES
DEPLETION
REGION
METAL END
TERMINATION
Multilayer Internal Construction
Energy Absorption/Peak Current Capability
Energy dissipated within the MLA Series is calculated
by multiplying the clamping voltage, transient current
and transient duration. An important advantage of the
multilayer is its interdigitated electrode construction within
the mass of dielectric material. This results in excellent
current distribution and the peak temperature per energy
absorbed is very low. The matrix of semiconducting grains
combine to absorb and distribute transient energy (heat)
(see Speed of Response). This dramatically reduces peak
temperature; thermal stresses and enhances device
reliability.
As a measure of the device capability in energy and peak
current handling, the V26MLA1206A part was tested with
multiple pulses at its peak current rating (150A, 8/20μs). At
the end of the test,10,000 pulses later, the device voltage
characteristics are still well within specification.
100
10
0
V26MLA1206
2000 4000 6000 8000 10000 12000
NUMBER OF PULSES
VO LTAGE
PEAK CURRENT = 150A
8/20 s DURATION, 30s BETWEEN PULSES
3FQFUJUJWF1VMTF$BQBCJMJUZ
Figure 10
Figure 11
Figure 12
Figure 13
Varistor Products
©2011 Littelfuse, Inc.
Revision: November 30, 2011
MLA Varistor Series
Surface Mount Multilayer Varistors (MLVs) > MLA Series
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Please refer to www.littelfuse.com/series/ML.html or MLA.html for current information.
Lead (Pb) Soldering Recommendations
The principal techniques used for the soldering of
components in surface mount technology are IR Re-flow
and Wave soldering. Typical profiles are shown on the right.
The recommended solder for the MLA suppressor is
B4O1C"H4O1CPS4O1C
Littelfuse also recommends an RMA solder flux.
Wave soldering is the most strenuous of the processes.
To avoid the possibility of generating stresses due to
thermal shock, a preheat stage in the soldering process
is recommended, and the peak temperature of the solder
process should be rigidly controlled.
When using a reflow process, care should be taken to
ensure that the MLA chip is not subjected to a thermal
gradient steeper than 4 degrees per second; the ideal
gradient being 2 degrees per second. During the soldering
process, preheating to within 100 degrees of the solder's
peak temperature is essential to minimize thermal shock.
0ODFUIFTPMEFSJOHQSPDFTTIBTCFFODPNQMFUFEJUJT
still necessary to ensure that any further thermal shocks
BSFBWPJEFE0OFQPTTJCMFDBVTFPGUIFSNBMTIPDLJTIPU
printed circuit boards being removed from the solder
process and subjected to cleaning solvents at room
temperature. The boards must be allowed to cool gradually
to less than 50º C before cleaning.
Lead–free (Pb-free) Soldering Recommendations
Littelfuse offers the Nickel Barrier Termination option (see
/TVGmYJO1BSU/VNCFSJOH4ZTUFNGPSPSEFSJOHGPSUIF
optimum Lead–free solder performance, consisting of a
Matte Tin outer surface plated on Nickel underlayer, plated
on Silver base metal.
5IFQSFGFSSFETPMEFSJT4O"H$VXJUIBO3."
flux, but there is a wide selection of pastes and fluxes
available with which the Nickel Barrier parts should be
compatible.
The reflow profile must be constrained by the maximums
JOUIF-FBEoGSFF3FnPX1SPmMF'PS-FBEoGSFFXBWF
TPMEFSJOHUIF8BWF4PMEFS1SPmMFTUJMMBQQMJFT
/PUFUIF-FBEoGSFFQBTUFnVYBOEQSPmMFXFSFVTFEGPS
evaluation purposes by Littelfuse, based upon industry
standards and practices. There are multiple choices of all
three available, it is advised that the customer explores the
optimum combination for their process as processes vary
considerably from site to site.
PREHEAT ZONE
PREHEAT DWELL
RAMP RATE
<2°C/s
MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE
230°C
TEMPERATURE °C
TIME (MINUTES)
250
200
150
100
50
0
0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0
40-80
SECONDS
ABOVE 183°C
TIME (MINUTES)
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
0.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5
MAXIMUM WAVE 260°C
SECOND PREHEAT
FIRST PREHEAT
TEMPERATURE °C
MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE 260˚C,
TIME WITHIN 5˚C OF PEAK
20 SECONDS MAXIMUM
PREHEAT ZONE
RAMP RATE
<3˚C/s 60 - 150 SEC
> 217˚C
TEMPERATURE °C
TIME (MINUTES)
300
250
200
150
100
50
00 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0
Reflow Solder Profile
Wave Solder Profile
Lead–free Re-flow Solder Profile
Figure 14
Figure 15
Figure 16
Varistor Products
©2011 Littelfuse, Inc.
Revision: November 30, 2011
MLA Varistor Series
Surface Mount Multilayer Varistors (MLVs) > MLA Series
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Please refer to www.littelfuse.com/series/ML.html or MLA.html for current information.
MLA Series
Product Dimensions (mm)
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Silver (Ag) epoxy paste.
1"%-":065%*.&/4*0/4
C
B
A
NOTE
$)*1-":065%*.&/4*0/4
E
L
W
D
Dimension 1210 Size 1206 Size 0805 Size 0603 Size 0402 Size
IN MM IN MM IN MM IN MM IN MM
A0.160 4.06 0.160 4.06 0.120  0.100 2.54  
B0.100 2.54 0.065 1.65 0.050    0.020 0.51
C0.040 1.02 0.040 1.02 0.040 1.02   0.024 0.61
D (max.)    1.80  1.10 0.040 1.00 0.024 0.60
E0.020

0.50

0.020

0.50


0.010

0.25
0.015

0.4

0.010

0.25

L0.125



0.125





2.01



1.6



1. 0 0

W0.100

2.54

0.060

1.60



1.25



0.8

0.020

0.50

Part Numbering System
V 18 1206
PACKING OPTIONS (see Packaging table for quantities)
DEVICE SIZE:
DEVICE FAMILY
Littelfuse TVSS Device
X
MAXIMUM DC
WORKING VOLTAGE
MLA X X
CAPACITANCE OPTION
No Letter : Standard
No Letter : Standard
L: Low Capacitance Version
END TERMINATION OPTION
MULTILAYER SERIES
DESIGNATOR N: Nickel Barrier Option
(Matte Tin outer surface, plated on Nickel underlayer
plated on silver base metal)
T: 13in (330mm) Diameter Reel, Plastic Carrier Tape
H: 7in (178mm) Diameter Reel, Plastic Carrier Tape
R: 7in (178mm) Diameter Reel, Paper Carrier Tape
A: Bulk Pack
0201 = .024 inch x .012 inch (0.6 mm x 0.3 mm)
0402 = .04 inch x .02 inch (1.0 mm x 0.5 mm)
0603 = .063 inch x .031 inch (1.6 mm x 0.8 mm)
0805 = .08 inch x .08 inch (2.0 mm x 1.25 mm)
1206 = .126 inch x .063 inch (3.2 mm x 1.6 mm)
1210 = .126 inch x .1 inch (3.2 mm x 2.5 mm)
Packaging*
Device Size
Quantity
13” Inch Reel
("T" Option)
7” Inch Reel
("H" Option)
7” Inch Reel
("R" Option)
Bulk Pack
("A" Option)
1210 8,000 2,000 N/A 2,000
1206 10,000 2,500 N/A 2,500
0805 10,000 2,500 N/A 2,500
 10,000 2,500 4,000 2,500
0402 N/A N/A 10,000 N/A
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/05&4
1 V120MLA1210 standard shipping quantities are 1000 pieces per reel for the "H" option and 4000 pieces per reel for "T" option.
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Varistor Products
©2011 Littelfuse, Inc.
Revision: November 30, 2011
MLA Varistor Series
Surface Mount Multilayer Varistors (MLVs) > MLA Series
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Please refer to www.littelfuse.com/series/ML.html or MLA.html for current information.
Tape and Reel Specifications
Symbol Description Dimensions in Millimeters
0402 Size 0603, 0805, 1206 & 1210 Sizes
A0Width of Cavity Dependent on Chip Size to Minimize Rotation.
B0Length of Cavity Dependent on Chip Size to Minimize Rotation.
K0Depth of Cavity Dependent on Chip Size to Minimize Rotation.
WWidth of Tape  
FDistance Between Drive Hole Centers and Cavity Centers  
EDistance Between Drive Hole Centers and Tape Edge  
P1Distance Between Cavity Centers  
P2Axial Drive Distance Between Drive Hole Centers & Cavity Centers  
P0Axial Drive Distance Between Drive Hole Centers  
D0Drive Hole Diameter  
D1%JBNFUFSPG$BWJUZ1JFSDJOH N/A 
T1Top Tape Thickness 0.1 Max 0.1 Max
/05&4
t$POGPSNTUP&*"3FWJTJPO"
t$BOCFTVQQMJFEUP*&$QVCMJDBUJPO
K0
t1
D0P0
D1
P1A0
P2
B0
F
E
W
For T and H Pack Options: PLASTIC CARRIER TAPE
For R Pack Options: EMBOSSED PAPER CARRIER TAPE
EMBOSSMENT
TOP TAPE 8mm
NOMINAL
PRODUCT
IDENTIFYING
LABEL
178mm
OR 330mm
DIA. REEL