Low-frequency response of low-voltage metal-oxide varistors used for telecommunication systems protection

The low-frequency response of metal-oxide varistors, commonly used in telecommunication systems and networks, is investigated. The voltage-current characteristic and capacitance of varistors are obtained experimentally. The effects of frequency on the electrical characteristics of varistors on the pre-breakdown and the breakdown region are presented and discussed. Experimental results can be used for accurate modeling of varistor behavior under low-frequency electromagnetic pulses.