In the ever-evolving LED lighting industry, product design is moving toward greater efficiency, higher reliability, and miniaturization. One clear trend that has emerged is the shift from traditional through-hole (TH) metal oxide varistors (MOVs) to surface-mount device (SMD) MOVs for surge protection. But what’s driving this transition—and what does it mean for lighting manufacturers?
1. Miniaturization Driving More Compact Designs
Modern LED drivers are becoming smaller and more integrated, while lighting fixture enclosures are evolving toward thinner and flatter formats. In this context, component size becomes critical. SMD MOVs take up less space on the PCB, making them ideal for compact lighting structures.
2. Ideal for Automated SMT Production
SMD MOVs are compatible with pick-and-place machines and well-suited for high-volume automated SMT production. This helps reduce manual soldering labor, improve consistency, and enhance manufacturing efficiency. In contrast, TH components still require manual insertion and soldering.
3. Reliable Performance for Mainstream Surge Protection
Today’s SMD MOVs offer surge protection capabilities comparable to or exceeding some TH models. Advanced multilayer ceramic designs enable efficient protection ranging from 2kV to 6kV, meeting international standards such as IEC 61000-4-5.
4. Better Overall Cost Efficiency
Although the unit price of SMD MOVs may be slightly higher, the savings in labor, logistics, and PCB layout often result in a lower total cost of ownership. Over the long term, they contribute to improved yield and overall production efficiency.
5. Cleaner Appearance and Better Thermal Layout
For compact lighting applications such as bulbs, panel lights, or embedded fixtures, SMD MOVs provide surge protection without compromising space. They also contribute to better layout flexibility and thermal management, supporting reliable product performance.
Boarden’s SMD MOV Solutions for Lighting Applications
At Boarden, we offer a wide range of SMD MOVs tailored for lighting surge protection, covering 0402, 0603, 0806, 1206, and 1812 packages, with varistor voltages from 18V to 820V. Our CMS series is widely used in India, Southeast Asia, and other emerging markets—balancing both performance and cost.
We also provide customized surge solutions for LED bulbs, tube lights, panel lights, and outdoor lighting systems. If you are looking to replace TH MOVs or optimize for SMD protection, feel free to reach out to our team.
Contact Boarden is here to support your protection needs with professional and reliable solutions.
