Varistor configurations

In a varistor of generally cylindrical configuration, which may serve as a connector pin, layers of ceramic material are interleaved between layers of electrode material, each ceramic layer being sandwiched between two electrode material layers. Each layer of electrode material is generally planar and extends transversely to the axis of the cylindrical varistor, in the form of an annular ring. Each alternate annular ring is of different inner and outer diameter. The outer periphery of each larger diameter annular ring is in electrical contact with an outer terminal cap of the varistor, while the inner periphery of each smaller diameter annular electrode layer is in electrical contact with an inner terminal cap extending along a central bore passing axially through the varistor pin. Each ceramic layer may have a thickness dimension less than 30.0 microns, or may be formed by deposition of a powder suspension and subsequent heat treatment to provide a dense continuum of ceramic material of low porosity.