5
012317
TransGuard®
AVX Multilayer Ceramic Transient Voltage Suppressors
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
TransGuard®multilayer varistors are zinc oxide (ZnO) based ceramic semiconductor
devices with non-linear voltage-current characteristics (bi-directional) similar to back-
to-back zener diodes. They have the added advantage of greater current and energy
handling capabilities as well as EMI/RFI attenuation.
The increasing use of electronics technologies in all areas require reliable protection
against transient voltages that could damage the electronics circuitry as well as
EMI/RFI attenuation to prevent signal distortion and to meet regulatory requirements.
AVX TransGuard components help achieve both functions with single component.
APPLICATIONS
• IC Protection
• Micro Controllers
• Relays
• I/O Ports
• Keyboard Protection
• Portable devices
• Industrial Controllers
• Automation
• Smart Grid
• Telecom
• LED Lights
• Cameras
• Base Stations
• Motion detector
• Alarms
• and more
FEATURES
• Bi-Directional protection
• Very fast response to ESD strikes
• Multi-strike capability
• High Reliability
• EMI/RFI Filtering
• Wide range of components
GENERAL
CHARACTERISTICS
• Operating Temperature:
-55°C to +125°C
• Working Voltage: 3.3 - 85Vdc
• Case Size: 0402 - 1812
• Energy: 0.05 - 4.2J
• Peak Current: 20 - 2000A
1206
Case
Size
0402
0603
0805
1206
1210
1812
2220
3220
VC
Varistor
Chip
VC = Varistor Chip
VG = Varistor Glass
18
Working
Voltage
P
Termination
P = Ni/Sn plated
D
Energy
Rating
400
Clamping
Voltage
R
Packaging
D = 7" (1000)*
R = 7" (4000 or
2000)*
T = 13" (10,000)*
W = 7" (10,000)**
*Not available for 0402
**Only available for 0402
HOW TO ORDER
03 = 3.3Vdc
05 = 5.6Vdc
09 = 9Vdc
12 = 12Vdc
14 = 14Vdc
16 = 16Vdc
18 = 18Vdc
22 = 22Vdc
26 = 26Vdc
30 = 30Vdc
31 = 31Vdc
38 = 38Vdc
42 = 42Vdc
45 = 45Vdc
48 = 48Vdc
56 = 56Vdc
60 = 60Vdc
65 = 65Vdc
85 = 85Vdc
X = 0.05J
A = 0.1J
B = 0.2J
C = 0.3J
D = 0.4J
E = 0.5J
F = 0.7J
G = 0.9J
H = 1.2J
J = 1.5-1.6J
K = 0.6J
M = 1.0J
N = 1.1J
P = 2.5-3.7J
R = 1.7J
L = 0.8J
S = 1.9-2.0J
U = 4.0-5.0J
W = 5.1-6.0J
Y = 6.5-12J
100 = 12V
150 = 18V
200 = 22V
250 = 27V
300 = 32V
380 = 38V
390 = 42V
400 = 42V
440 = 44V
490 = 49V
540 = 54V
560 = 60V
570 = 57V
580 = 60V
620 = 67V
650 = 67V
770 = 77V
800 = 80V
900 = 90V
101 = 100V
111 = 110V
121 = 120V
131 = 135V
151 = 150V
161 = 165V
6012317
TransGuard®
AVX Multilayer Ceramic Transient Voltage Suppressors
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS
AVX PN V
W
(DC) V
W
(AC) V
B
V
C
I
VC
I
L
E
T
I
P
Cap Freq Case
Vdc Vac V V A A J A pF
VC060303A100 3.3 2.3 5.0±20% 12 1 100 0.1 30 1450 K 0603
VC080503A100 3.3 2.3 5.0±20% 12 1 100 0.1 40 1400 K 0805
VC080503C100 3.3 2.3 5.0±20% 12 1 100 0.3 120 5000 K 0805
VC120603A100 3.3 2.3 5.0±20% 12 1 100 0.1 40 1250 K 1206
VC120603D100 3.3 2.3 5.0±20% 12 1 100 0.4 150 4700 K 1206
VC040205X150 5.6 4.0 8.5±20% 18 1 35 0.05 20 175 M 0402
VC060305A150 5.6 4.0 8.5±20% 18 1 35 0.1 30 750 K 0603
VC080505A150 5.6 4.0 8.5±20% 18 1 35 0.1 40 1100 K 0805
VC080505C150 5.6 4.0 8.5±20% 18 1 35 0.3 120 3000 K 0805
VC120605A150 5.6 4.0 8.5±20% 18 1 35 0.1 40 1200 K 1206
VC120605D150 5.6 4.0 8.5±20% 18 1 35 0.4 150 3000 K 1206
VC040209X200 9.0 6.4 12.7±15% 22 1 25 0.05 20 175 M 0402
VC060309A200 9.0 6.4 12.7±15% 22 1 25 0.1 30 550 K 0603
VC080509A200 9.0 6.4 12.7±15% 22 1 25 0.1 40 750 K 0805
VC080512A250 12.0 8.5 16±15% 27 1 25 0.1 40 525 K 0805
VC040214X300 14.0 10.0 18.5±12% 32 1 15 0.05 20 85 K 0402
VC060314A300 14.0 10.0 18.5±12% 32 1 15 0.1 30 350 K 0603
VC080514A300 14.0 10.0 18.5±12% 32 1 15 0.1 40 325 K 0805
VC080514C300 14.0 10.0 18.5±12% 32 1 15 0.3 120 900 K 0805
VC120614A300 14.0 10.0 18.5±12% 32 1 15 0.1 40 600 K 1206
VC120614D300 14.0 10.0 18.5±12% 32 1 15 0.4 150 1050 K 1206
VC121016J390 16.0 13.0 25.5±10% 40 2.5 10 1.6 500 3100 K 1210
VG181216P390 16.0 11.0 24.5±10% 40 5 15 2.9 1000 7000 K 1812
VG181216P400 16.0 11.0 24.5±10% 42 5 10 2.9 1000 5000 K 1812
VG222016Y400 16.0 11.0 24.5±10% 42 10 10 7.2 1500 13000 K 2220
VC040218X400 18.0 13.0 25.5±10% 42 1 10 0.05 20 65 M 0402
VC060318A400 18.0 13.0 25.5±10% 42 1 10 0.1 30 150 K 0603
VC080518A400 18.0 13.0 25.5±10% 42 1 10 0.1 30 225 K 0805
VC080518C400 18.0 13.0 25.5±10% 42 1 10 0.3 100 550 K 0805
VC120618A400 18.0 13.0 25.5±10% 42 1 10 0.1 30 350 K 1206
VC120618D400 18.0 13.0 25.5±10% 42 1 10 0.4 150 900 K 1206
VC120618E380 18.0 13.0 25.5±10% 38 1 15 0.5 200 930 K 1206
VG121018J380 18.0 14.0 22±10% 38 2.5 15 1.5 400 2300 K 1210
VC121018J390 18.0 13.0 25.5±10% 42 5 10 1.6 500 3100 K 1210
VG181218P380 18.0 14 22±10% 38 5 15 2.3 800 5000 K 1218
VG181218P440 18.0 14.0 27.5±10% 44 5 15 2.9 800 5000 K 1812
VG222018W380 18.0 14.0 22±10% 38 10 15 5.8 1200 18000 K 2220
VG121022R440 22.0 17.0 27±10% 44 2.5 15 1.7 400 1600 K 1210
VG222022Y440 22.0 17.0 27±10% 44 10 15 7.2 1200 18000 K 2220
VG222022Y490 22.0 17.0 30±10% 49 10 15 6.8 1200 12000 K 2220
VC060326A580 26.0 18.0 34.5±10% 60 1 10 0.1 30 155 K 0603
VC080526A580 26.0 18.0 34.5±10% 60 1 10 0.1 30 120 K 0805
VC080526C580 26.0 18.0 34.5±10% 60 1 10 0.3 100 250 K 0805
VC120626D580 26.0 18.0 34.5±10% 60 1 10 0.4 120 500 K 1206
VC120626F540 26.0 20.0 33.0±10% 54 1 15 0.7 200 600 K 1206
VC121026H560 26.0 18.0 34.5±10% 60 5 10 1.2 300 2150 K 1210
VG121026S540 26.0 20.0 33±10% 54 2.5 15 1.9 400 1600 K 1210
VG181226P540 26.0 20 35±10% 54 5 15 3 800 3000 K 1812
7
012317
TransGuard®
AVX Multilayer Ceramic Transient Voltage Suppressors
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS
AVX PN V
W
(DC) V
W
(AC) V
B
V
C
I
VC
I
L
E
T
I
P
Cap Freq Case
Vdc Vac V V A A J A pF
VG181226P570 26.0 23.0 35.0±10% 57 5 15 2.5 600 3000 K 1812
VG181226P540 26.0 20.0 35.0±10% 54 5 15 3.0 800 3000 K 1812
VG222026Y540 26.0 20.0 33.0±10% 54 10 15 7.8 1200 11000 K 2220
VG222026Y570 26.0 23.0 35.0±10% 57 10 15 6.8 1100 7000 K 2220
VG322026N570 26.0 20.0 33.0±10% 57 10 15 1.1 400 5500 K 3220
VC060330A650 30.0 21.0 41.0±10% 67 1 10 0.1 30 125 K 0603
VC080530A650 30.0 21.0 41.0±10% 67 1 10 0.1 30 90 M 0805
VC080530C650 30.0 21.0 41.0±10% 67 1 10 0.3 80 250 K 0805
VC120630D650 30.0 21.0 41.0±10% 67 1 10 0.4 120 400 K 1206
VC121030G620 30.0 21.0 41.0±10% 67 5 10 0.9 220 1750 K 1210
VC121030H620 30.0 21.0 41.0±10% 67 5 10 1.2 280 1850 K 1210
VC121030S620 30.0 21.0 41.0±10% 67 5 10 1.9 300 1500 K 1210
VC080531C650 31.0 25.0 39.0±10% 65 1 10 0.3 80 250 K 0805
VC120631M650 31.0 25.0 39.0±10% 65 1 15 1.0 200 500 K 1206
VG121031R650 31.0 25.0 39.0±10% 65 2.5 15 1.7 300 1200 K 1210
VG181231P650 31.0 25.0 39.0±10% 65 5 15 3.7 800 2600 K 1812
VG222031Y650 31.0 25.0 39.0±10% 65 10 15 9.6 1200 6100 K 2220
VC080538C770 38.0 30.0 47.0±10% 77 1 10 0.3 80 200 K 0805
VC120638N770 38.0 30.0 47.0±10% 77 1 15 1.1 200 400 K 1206
VG121038S770 38.0 30.0 47.0±10% 77 2.5 15 2.0 400 1000 K 1210
VG181238U770 38.0 30.0 47.0±10% 77 5 15 4.2 800 1300 K 1812
VG222038Y770 38.0 30.0 47.0±10% 77 10 15 12 2000 4200 K 2220
VG322038J920 38.0 30.0 47.0±10% 92 10 15 1.5 400 2600 K 3220
VC120642L800 42.0 32.0 51.0±10% 80 1 15 0.8 180 600 K 1206
VC120645K900 45.0 35.0 56.0±10% 90 1 15 0.6 200 260 K 1206
VG121045S900 45.0 35.0 56.0±10% 90 2.5 15 2 300 800 K 1210
VG181245U900 45.0 35.0 56.0±10% 90 5 15 4.0 500 1200 K 1812
VG222045Y900 45.0 35.0 56.0±10% 90 10 15 12 1000 5000 K 2220
VC120648D101 48.0 34.0 62.0±10% 100 1 10 0.4 100 225 K 1206
VC121048G101 48.0 34.0 62.0±10% 100 5 10 0.9 220 450 K 1210
VC121048H101 48.0 34.0 62.0±10% 100 5 10 1.2 250 500 K 1210
VC120656F111 56.0 40.0 68.0±10% 110 1 15 0.7 100 180 K 1206
VG121056P111 56.0 40.0 68.0±10% 110 2.5 15 2.3 250 500 K 1210
VG181256U111 56.0 40.0 68.0±10% 110 5 15 4.8 500 800 K 1812
VG222056Y111 56.0 40.0 68.0±10% 110 10 15 9 1000 2000 K 2220
VC121060J121 60.0 42.0 76.0±10% 120 5 10 1.5 250 400 K 1210
VC120665L131 65.0 50.0 82.0±10% 135 1 15 0.8 100 250 K 1206
VC120665M131 65.0 50.0 82.0±10% 135 1 15 1.0 150 250 K 1206
VG121065P131 65.0 50.0 82.0±10% 135 2.5 15 2.7 350 600 K 1210
VG181265U131 65.0 50.0 82.0±10% 135 5 15 4.5 400 600 K 1812
VG222065Y131 65.0 50.0 82.0±10% 135 10 15 6.5 800 3000 K 2220
VC121085S151 85.0 60.0 100±10% 150 1 35 2.0 250 275 K 1210
VG181285U161 85.0 60.0 100±10% 165 5 15 4.5 400 500 K 1812
VG222085Y161 85.0 60.0 100±10% 165 10 15 6.8 800 1500 K 2220
VW(DC) DC Working Voltage (V)
VW(AC) AC Working Voltage (V)
VBTypical Breakdown Voltage (V @ 1mADC )
VCClamping Voltage (V @ IVC )
IVC Test Current for VC (A, 8x20µS)
ILMaximum Leakage Current at the
Working Voltage (µA)
ETTransient Energy Rating (J, 10x1000µS)
IPPeak Current Rating (A, 8x20µS)
Cap Typical Capacitance (pF) @ frequency specified
and 0.5 VRMS
Freq Frequency at which capacitance is measured
(K = 1kHz, M = 1MHz)
8012317
TransGuard®
AVX Multilayer Ceramic Transient Voltage Suppressors
L
W
T
t
DIMENSIONS: mm (inches)
AVX Style 0402 0603 0805 1206 1210 1812 2220 3220
(L) Length mm 1.00±0.10 1.60±0.15 2.01±0.20 3.20±0.20 3.20±0.20 4.50±0.30 5.70±0.40 8.20±0.40
(in.) (0.040±0.004) (0.063±0.006) (0.079±0.008) (0.126±0.008) (0.126±0.008) (0.177±0.012) (0.224±0.016) (0.323±0.016)
(W) Width mm 0.50±0.10 0.80±0.15 1.25±0.20 1.60±0.20 2.49±0.20 3.20±0.30 5.00±0.40 5.00±0.40
(in.) (0.020±0.004) (0.031±0.006) (0.049±0.008) (0.063±0.008) (0.098±0.008) (0.126±0.012) (0.197±0.016) (0.197±0.016)
(T) Max Thickness mm 0.6 0.9 1.02 1.02 (0.040) 1.70 2.00 2.50 2.50 max.
(in.) (0.024) (0.035) (0.040) 1.27 (0.050)1)
(0.067) (0.080) (0.098) (0.098 max.)
1.70 (0.067)2)
(t) Land Length mm 0.25±0.15 0.35±0.15 0.71 max. 0.94 max. 1.14 max. 1.00 max. 1.00 max. 1.30 max.
(in.) (0.010±0.006) (0.014±0.006) (0.028 max.) (0.037 max.) (0.045 max.) (0.039 max.) (0.039 max.) (0.051 max.)
SOLDERING PAD: mm (inches)
Pad Layout 0402 0603 0805 1206 1210 1812 2220 3220
A 1.61 (0.024) 0.89 (0.035) 1.02 (0.040) 1.02 (0.040) 1.02 (0.040) 1.00 (0.039) 1.00 (0.039) 2.21 (0.087)
B 1.51 (0.020) 0.76 (0.030) 1.02 (0.040) 2.03 (0.080) 2.03 (0.080) 3.60 (0.142) 4.60 (0.18) 5.79 (0.228)
C 1.70 (0.067) 2.54 (0.100) 3.05 (0.120) 4.06 (0.160) 4.06 (0.160) 5.60 (0.220) 6.60 (0.26) 10.21 (0.402)
D 1.51 (0.020) 0.76 (0.030) 1.27 (0.050) 1.65 (0.065) 2.54 (0.100) 3.00 (0.118) 5.00 (0.20 ) 5.50 (0.217)
C
A
B
A
D
1) Applicable for: VC120618E380
2) Applicable for: VC120626F540, VC120631M650, VC120638N770, VC120642L800, VC120645K900, VC120656F111, VC120660M131
9
012317
TransGuard®
AVX Multilayer Ceramic Transient Voltage Suppressors
Multilayer construction and improved grain structure result in
excellent transient clamping characteristics up to 20 amps
peak current, while maintaining very low leakage currents
under DC operating conditions. The VI curves below show the
voltage/current characteristics for the 5.6V, 9V, 14V, 18V and
low capacitance StaticGuard parts with currents ranging from
parts of a micro amp to tens of amps.
Traditionally varistors have suffered degradation of electrical
performance with repeated high current pulses resulting in
decreased breakdown voltage and increased leakage cur-
rent. It has been suggested that irregular intergranular
boundaries and bulk material result in restricted current
paths and other non-Schottky barrier paralleled conduction
paths in the ceramic. Repeated pulsing of TransGuard®tran-
sient voltage suppressors with 150Amp peak 8 x 20µS
waveforms shows negligible degradation in breakdown
voltage and minimal increases in leakage current.
TYPICAL PERFORMANCE CURVES (0402 CHIP SIZE)
VOLTAGE/CURRENT CHARACTERISTICS PULSE DEGRADATION
VC04LC18V500
VC040214X300
VC040218X400
VC040205X150
VC040209X200
100
80
60
40
20
0
10-9 10-7 10-5 10-3 10-1 10 103105
Current (A)
Voltage (V)
VC04LC18V500
VC040214X300
VC040218X400
VC040205X150
VC040209X200
10 100 1000 10000
8kV ESD STRIKES
BREAKDOWN VOLTAGE (Vb)
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
VC040205X
VC04LC18V
VC040214X
VC040218X
VC040209X
0
-5
-10
-15
-20
-25
0.01 0.1 1 10
Frequency (GHz)
dB
VC04LC18V500
VC040214X300
VC040218X400
VC040205X150
VC040209X200
1300
1200
10 100 1000
IMPULSE DURATION (μS)
PEAK POWER (W)
1100
1000
900
800
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
PEAK POWER VS PULSE DURATION
INSERTION LOSS CHARACTERISTICS
ESD TEST OF 0402 PARTS
10 012317
TransGuard®
AVX Multilayer Ceramic Transient Voltage Suppressors
TYPICAL PERFORMANCE CURVES (0603, 0805, 1206 & 1210 CHIP SIZES)
VOLTAGE/CURRENT CHARACTERISTICS
Multilayer construction and improved grain structure result in excellent transient clamping characteristics up to 500 amps peak
current, depending on case size and energy rating, while maintaining very low leakage currents under DC operating condi-
tions. The VI curve below shows the voltage/current characteristics for the 3.3V, 5.6V, 12V, 14V, 18V, 26V, 30V, 48V and
60VDC parts with currents ranging from parts of a micro amp to tens of amps.
VI Curves - 9V, 12V, and 14V Products
50
40
30
20
10
0
10-9 10-6 10-3 10+0 10+3
Current (A)
Voltage (V)
9V, 0.1J 12V, 0.1J 14V, 0.1J 14V, >0.1J
VI Curves - 3.3V and 5.6V Products
25
20
15
10
5
0
10-9 10-6 10-3 10+0 10+3
Current (A)
Voltage (V)
3.3V, 0.1J 3.3V, >0.1J 5.6V, 0.1J 5.6V, >0.1J
VI Curves - 30V, 48V, and 60V Products
200
150
100
50
0
10-9 10-6 10-3 10+0 10+3
Current (A)
Voltage (V)
30V, 0.1J 30V, >0.1J 48V 60V
VI Curve - 85V Product
0
40
80
120
160
200
1.E-09 1.E-06 1.E-03 1.E+00 1.E+03
Current (A)
Voltage (V)
11
012317
TransGuard®
AVX Multilayer Ceramic Transient Voltage Suppressors
TYPICAL PERFORMANCE CURVES (0603, 0805, 1206 & 1210 CHIP SIZES)
3.3V
12 012317
TransGuard®
AVX Multilayer Ceramic Transient Voltage Suppressors
Temperature Dependence of Voltage
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
Voltage as a Percent of
Average Breakdown Voltage
10-9 10-8 10-7 10-6 10-5 10-4 10-3 10-2
Current (A)
-40 C 25 C 85 C 125 C
-60 -40 -20 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160
1.25
1
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0
o
TYPICAL ENERGY DERATING VS TEMPERATURE
Temperature ( C)
Energy Derating
TYPICAL PERFORMANCE CURVES (0603, 0805, 1206 & 1210 CHIP SIZES)
TEMPERATURE CHARACTERISTICS
TransGuard®suppressors are designed to operate over the full temperature range from -55°C to +125°C. This operating
temperature range is for both surface mount and axial leaded products.
-55 -40 -20 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 150
TYPICAL BREAKDOWN AND CLAMPING VOLTAGES
VS TEMPERATURE - 18V
18V
Temperature ( C)
Typical Breakdown (V )
and Clamping (V ) Voltages
B
C
o
50
40
30
20
V
VB
C
( )
( )
-55 -40 -20 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 150
TYPICAL BREAKDOWN AND CLAMPING VOLTAGES
VS TEMPERATURE - 5.6V
5.6V
Temperature ( C)
Typical Breakdown (V )
and Clamping (V ) Voltages
V
VB
B
C
C
o
20
15
10
5
-55 -40 -20 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 150
TYPICAL BREAKDOWN AND CLAMPING VOLTAGES
VS TEMPERATURE - 26V
Temperature (C)
Typical Breakdown (V )
and Clamping (V ) Voltages
B
C
26V
V
VB
C
( )
( )
60
50
40
30
Average
25° C Reference
+25
+20
+15
+10
+5
0
-5
-10
-15
-20
-25 -40 -20 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140
Temperature (°C)
Capacitance Relative to 25°C
TYPICAL CAPACITANCE VS TEMPERATURE
13
012317
TransGuard®
AVX Multilayer Ceramic Transient Voltage Suppressors
Repetitive Peak Current Strikes
TransGuard®1210 1.5J Product
10%
8%
4%
2%
0%
6%
0 100 200 300 400 500 600
Number of Strikes
Change in Breakdown Voltage (%)
VC121018J390
Figure 3
30%
25%
15%
5%
10%
0%
20%
0 100 200 300 400 500 600
Number of Strikes
Change in Breakdown Voltage (%)
VC08LC18A500
Figure 4
Repetitive Peak Current Strikes
StaticGuard 0805 0.1J Product
PULSE DEGRADATION
Traditionally varistors have suffered degradation of electrical perfor-
mance with repeated high current pulses resulting in decreased
breakdown voltage and increased leakage current. It has been
suggested that irregular intergranular boundaries and bulk material
result in restricted current paths and other non-Schottky barrier
paralleled conduction paths in the ceramic. Repeated pulsing of
both 5.6 and 14V TransGuard®transient voltage suppressors with
150 Amp peak 8 x 20µS waveforms shows negligible degradation
in breakdown voltage and minimal increases in leakage current.
The plots of typical breakdown voltage vs number of 150A pulses
are shown below.
TYPICAL PERFORMANCE CURVES (0603, 0805, 1206 & 1210 CHIP SIZES)
VC060305A150
VC060326A580
VC06LC18X500
100
80
60
40
20
0
02040
Frequency (MHz)
60 80 100
Capacitance Change (%)
VC080518C400
VC080514A300
VC080505C150
100
80
60
40
20
0
02040
Frequency (MHz)
60 80 100
Capacitance Change (%)
VC120648D101
VC12LC18A500
VC120614D300
100
80
60
40
20
0
02040
Frequency (MHz)
60 80 100
Capacitance Change (%)
TransGuard®Capacitance vs Frequency 0603 TransGuard®Capacitance vs Frequency 0805 TransGuard®Capacitance vs Frequency 1206
10%
8%
4%
2%
0%
6%
0 100 200 300 400 500 600
Number of Strikes
Change in Breakdown Voltage (%)
VC120618D400
VC120626D580
VC120614D300
VC120605D150
Figure 1
Repetitive Peak Current Strikes
TransGuard®0805 0.1J and 0.3J Products
0%
5%
10%
15%
0 100 200 300 400 500 600
Number of Strikes
Change in Breakdown Voltage (%)
VC080518C400
VC080518A400
Figure 2
Repetitive Peak Current Strikes
TransGuard®1206 0.4J Product
CAPACITANCE/FREQUENCY
CHARACTERISTICS