Bourns introduces IsoMOV protectors to provide functional and protective benefits in a more robust design

     Bourns, a leading manufacturer and supplier of electronic components, has introduced one of the most significant breakthroughs in MOV device design in decades, the IsoMOV protector. The innovatively designed Bourns IsoMOV Hybrid protection component integrates GDT functionality directly into the MOV itself, providing a higher level of surge protection in terms of performance, service life and enhanced equipment reliability. Because the fully integrated, compact Bourns hybrid design has performance specifications typically found in larger, conventional MOV devices, Bourns IsoMOV protectors enable designers to better customize surge protection performance according to stringent space requirements. And allows them to upgrade their MOV overvoltage protection to include the proven benefits of GDT isolation without having to redesign the PCB. With an industry-standard pin layout, Bourns IsoMOV protectors offer substantial performance and reliability upgrades to standard MOV of the same size with a pin-to-pin direct replacement form factor.

     The IsoMOV protector is a fully integrated GDT and MOV hybrid design. Combining these two devices into a single package, the GDT can stop the leakage current through the MOV, which can lead to premature failure, thus making the MOV inherently more robust without the need to add additional components to the circuit design. With a temperature rating of 125°C, well above the industry standard of 8°C, the extended temperature range and low leakage of IsoMOV protectors are particularly suitable for industrial, powerline communications, high-speed information and communications technology (ICT) equipment, and a wide range of certain harsh or remote, exposed applications, where the protection system is designed to protect the environment. Repairs can be both physically challenging and costly.

     "In our connected world, devices need to maintain maximum uptime. Therefore, many designers specify MOV with much higher rated voltage and surge current to ensure that they will never withstand the pressure of their breaking point. Others have put GDT in series with MOV to eliminate leakage current and extend the life of MOV. The efficient design of Bourns IsoMOV protectors enables designers to dispense with larger, often lower-performing and often more expensive design alternatives, "says product line manager Toma Z Bojko of the overvoltage protection solution for Bourns.

     Lee Bourns, Director of Circuit Protection Marketing at Bourns, added: "Our new Bourns IsoMOV protectors range is truly one of the most revolutionary technological breakthroughs in the field of overvoltage protection in the last few decades. Design engineers have long been forced to choose between limited performance, space-saving components and larger, higher-specification devices to meet their protection needs. With IsoMOV protectors, designers can now get the right level of surge protection for their applications without having to make any performance, size, cost or redesign compromises."