Bourns Introduces Highly Robust Surge Protective Device (SPD) For Sensitive Signal And Data Line Applications

New Model Features Extremely Fast Response and Low Clamping Voltages that Protect Electronics from Damaging Surge Currents in Excess of 10,000 Amperes on an 8/20 µS Waveform

Bourns, Inc., a leading manufacturer and supplier of electronic components, recently announced it has added a new surge protective device (SPD) for signal and data line applications to its industry-leading portfolio. Designated Bourns Model 1840, the new device is a heavy-duty, MSP Multi-Stage Protector designed to safeguard sensitive electronic circuits and components from damaging surge voltages and currents. The new model features extremely fast response and low clamping voltages making it ideal to protect signal and data lines associated with computer, data communication, instrumentation, broadcasting and industrial controls. The Bourns Model 1840 supports working voltages of 5, 12 and 24 volts, and may be used directly with RS-232, RS-422, RS-423 and RS-485 standard EIA interfaces as well as with 4-20 mA and 50 mA instrumentation loops.

“Bourns designed our new surge protective device to shield signal and data lines from multiple destructive surge currents in excess of 10,000 amperes on an 8/20 µS waveform to deliver reliable protection for sensitive electronics,” said Kurt Wattelet, Product Line Manager at Bourns, Inc. “Giving our customers an extra level of protection, Bourns’ new SPD is engineered to provide a low peak clamping voltage even during severe current surges making this new model uniquely robust.”

Bourns’ innovative solid-state, third stage protection device works by intercepting the leading edge of a surge within a sub-nanosecond response time. Within micro-seconds thereafter, a primary stage, three-electrode common-chambered Gas Discharge Tube (GDT) activates and crowbars the majority of the surge energy to ground. The new model also utilizes Bourns TBU High-Speed Protector (HSP) technology as a key second stage. Currents exceeding 300 mA through the protector will cause the TBU HSP to quickly transition into high impedance, isolating any harmful voltages and/or currents from damaging the protected equipment. The GDT protector remains in the crowbar state until the surge has passed and line voltages return to safe levels. After an event, the TBU HSP automatically restores the line to normal operation by automatically resetting to a low impedance state.

The Bourns Model 1840 features vibration-resistant screw-type clamp terminals and convenient mounting and grounding is possible to any flat surface or to DIN-1 (TS-32) or DIN-3 (TS-35) rails. The new device also has a flame-resistant epoxy-filled housing and cable shields are passed through and may be grounded or arc-protected to ground.

Pricing and Availability
Bourns Model 1840 is available now through catalog distribution and is priced at $120 each. For additional product specifications, visit: http://www.bourns.com/data/global/pdfs/1840.pdf.

About Bourns
Bourns, Inc. is a leading manufacturer and supplier of automotive sensors, circuit protection solutions, magnetic products, microelectronic modules, trimming and precision potentiometers, panel controls and encoders and resistive products. Headquartered in Riverside, CA, Bourns serves a broad range of markets, including telecommunications, computer, industrial, instrumentation, automotive, consumer, non-critical life support medical, audio and various other market segments. Bourns products are manufactured according to ISO-9000 and ISO-14001 standards under Six Sigma quality programs. For more information, visit www.bourns.com.