Hybrid varistor provides compact form factor

12th January 2022

Mick Elliott

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Datasheet

Bourns says its breakthrough GMOV component combines a Metal Oxide Varistor (MOV) and a Gas Discharge Tube (GDT) with its patented space-saving FLAT technology to deliver a hybrid varistor.

This new hybrid varistor product, which is in stock at distributor Anglia Components, provides a compact form factor that is a drop-in replacement for a standard 14mm or 20mm disc size MOV.

The GMOV component is designed to be an enhanced protection solution that minimises degradation and catastrophic failure issues that can occur with discrete MOVs when they are subjected to transient surges and temporary overvoltage conditions exceeding maximum rated values.

The “on-call but not on-duty" isolation of the MOV from line voltage by the GDT effectively shields the MOV from transients and temporary overvoltage spikes that typically damage the MOV over time.

This is achieved effectively in the GMOV component where the GDT isolates the MOV from the circuit until such time as the voltage exceeds the turn-on voltage of the GDT.

The integrated GDT isolates the MOV from line voltage and smaller transients, which over time would damage the MOV resulting in premature failure.

Current leakage from the device is also eliminated by the series GDT and mitigates damage of the MOV due to watt loss heating.

Whilst Disc MOVs remain a popular solution for AC and DC protection, currently designers need to use extra discrete components for additional protection against unstable electrical service.

In many cases, the discrete component solutions are not tested and proven to work together like the GMOV component.

The GMOV Hybrid Overvoltage Protection Devices can replace traditional varistor (MOV) products in a wide range of applications including lighting ballasts, surge protective devices (SPDs), surge strips, switch board apparatus, chargers, solar, data line communications, low/medium risk medical devices, power supplies, LED lighting and control systems and any other products powered by AC or rectified DC that require overvoltage protection.

Other features include low leakage over life (<0.1 μA) and zero standby energy consumption, The GDT isolates MOV from AC line voltage above its MCOV rating.

The varistors meet UL ring wave requirements.