Setting a New Standard in Volume, Space-saving Circuit Protection Design, Bourns Introduces New FLAT GDT Products

Reducing Device Height by 75 %, Bourns’ New FLAT® GDT Maintains Robust Isolation and Current-Handling Overvoltage Protection Capabilities

RIVERSIDE, Calif., September 29, 2015 - Bourns, Inc., a leading manufacturer and supplier of electronic components, today introduced a new Gas Discharge Tube (GDT) series using a breakthrough flat package design setting a new standard in volume and space-saving circuit protection design. The 2-electrode Bourns® Model 2017 Series FLAT® GDT uses a breakthrough flat package and horizontal circuitry design to innovatively meet the more sensitive overvoltage protection requirements of high density and space-restricted applications such as telecommunications and industrial communications equipment, surge protective devices and printed circuit board (PCB) assemblies. The new series delivers a 75% savings in volume as compared to standard 8 mm Bourns® GDTs. When vertically mounted, the Model 2017 Series is capable of supporting approximately twice the number of GDTs in the same board space as compared to similar board space using surface mount 8 mm Bourns® GDTs.

In addition to reducing height and overall volume, Bourns’ new FLAT® GDT technology is able to maintain the device’s robust isolation and current-handling overvoltage protection capabilities. This new compact GDT solution offers superior surge current ratings, low leakage and insertion loss with constant capacitance regardless of voltage. These devices also do not impact signal or system operation due to their voltage limiting capabilities optimized for long-term reliability and performance to satisfy the needs of today’s more complex electronics equipment. 

“Significantly saving valuable printed circuit board space that helps solve one of the major issues of higher density application design, Bourns® FLAT® GDTs maintain the key features and critical protection benefits of conventional GDT technology.  Pioneering the next standard in miniaturizing circuit protection design, Bourns’ engineering team employed a unique isolation pathway to ‘squeeze’ the GDT in the axial direction resulting in significantly reduced height and volume as compared to similarly-rated conventional GDTs,” said Kurt Wattelet, product manager at Bourns, Inc.

The Model 2017 Series is an ITU K.12 Class III GDT device rated at 10 kA on an 8/20 μs waveform. The series features DC breakdown voltages ranging from 90 to 500 V.  Maximizing its design flexibility, the FLAT® GDT offers multiple mounting options including bottom-side PCB, and is available in horizontal and vertical surface mount versions as well as a leadless design for cartridge or clamp fit applications.

About Bourns
Bourns, Inc. is a leading manufacturer and supplier of position and speed sensors, circuit protection solutions, magnetic components, microelectronic modules, panel controls and resistive products. Headquartered in Riverside, California, USA, Bourns serves a broad range of markets, including automotive, industrial, consumer, communications, non-critical life support medical, audio and various other market segments. Additional company and product information is available at www.bourns.com.

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