Bourns, Inc. was founded in 1947 by Marlan and Rosemary Bourns, graduates of the University of Michigan, Bourns was founded to develop and sell electronic components and sensors to the aerospace industry. Bourns' invention of linear motion and vane position potentiometers provided a method of accurately determining an aircraft's pitch, and helped to grow Bourns' business into a global corporation. Bourns has 15 manufacturing facilities around the world and has continued growing through the development of new products and technologies as well as through acquisitions. 

Bourns is focused in four main market segments: 

1、Circuit Protection

Bourns is a global manufacturer of a very broad portfolio of Circuit Protection solutions. Bourns’ devices protect sensitive electronic circuits in automotive, communications, industrial, low to medium risk medical* and consumer applications. The Bourns Circuit Protection portfolio includes resettable polymer and ceramic PTCs, GDTs, MOVs, thyristors, TVS diodes, TBU® high-speed protectors, Power TVS diodes, single shot fuses, ESD protectors, LED shunt protectors, thermal cutoff devices and surge protective devices (SPDs). Bourns is recognized as a global leading supplier of reliable circuit protection solutions based on innovative technologies such as TBU® HSPs, TCS, mini-breaker TCOs and GMOV™ hybrid protection components.

2、Power Conversion

Bourns continues to engineer cutting-edge technology solutions that meet the dynamic requirements of AC-DC, DC-DC, DC-AC and AC-AC conversion systems across a broad range of automotive, industrial, consumer and communications industries. In addition to our rapid custom magnetics design capabilities, we offer a growing line of standard and automotive-grade power conversion components that includes power inductors, power transformers, resistive products and common mode chokes. Bourns’ power conversion component innovation is helping to reduce energy consumption and support new generations of transportation, renewable energy, power supply and battery management applications.

3、Sensing

Sensing has become a critical element of information collection in many applications that include energy systems, heavy equipment, factory automation, medical (low/medium risk), mil-aero and pro audio.

Bourns® line of Precision Sensor (BPS) environmental sensors are designed for demanding applications where performance, reliability and certain harsh media compatibility are essential. Bourns BPS® pressure sensors are based on innovative MEMS technology, which provides extremely accurate condition readings in a miniature package size.

Maximizing the operating performance of a battery, controlling motor speeds, and the ability to hot swap server units are examples of applications that can all benefit from accurate current measurement. Bourns® high-quality current sense resistors provide a cost-effective, reliable and precise measurement solution that helps protect, maximize operating performance and improve system efficiency.

Bourns full line of Trimpot® trimming potentiometers help fine-tune board components to achieve optimal performance in applications that must be calibrated before being shipped. This calibration or “set and forget” features ensure that the end product meets the specifications offered.

4、Automotive

The Bourns Automotive Division has played a leading role in the design, development and manufacture of potentiometric sensors since 1949. At our engineering centers in Riverside/California, Munich/Germany, Auburn Hills/Michigan and Veszprém/Hungary, we develop and design an extensive range of customized automotive position, speed and torque sensors. These products are manufactured in Ajka/Hungary, Chihuahua & Tijuana/Mexico and Xiamen/China.

Bourns’ research and development work combined with close collaboration with customers help to ensure that our products meet the highest standards set for the automotive industry. Using state-of-the-art development software and world-class production methods, Bourns can provide innovative and cost-effective solutions for your applications.

Bourns Technology innovations:

In 1952, Bourns patented the trimming potentiometer, trademarked "Trimpot". In 1995, Bourns acquired VRN's Trimmer assets and introduced the first 4 mm surface-mount sealed tact switch. In 2008, Bourns acquired the Transient Blocking Unit (TBU) assets of Fultec Semiconductor, Inc.

Bourns Acquisitions:

2001: Joslyn GDT Division assets

2003: Telecom Protection assets from Texas Instruments Sensors & Controls Division

2003: Microelectronic Modules Corporation assets

2004: MMC's Switch Power Products assets

2004: RUF Automotive Group

2005: Tyco/Meggitt's Fuel Card Product assets

2006: J.W. Miller Magnetics Business

2006: the Automotive Controls Division assets of SSI Technologies

2006: Polymer PTC division of Therm-O-Disc, Inc.

2008: the Transient Blocking Unit (TBU) assets of Fultec Semiconductor, Inc.

2008: the Protection Products assets of Emerson Network Power Energy Systems

2009: Central Office Surge Protection Products assets from Corning Cable Systems LLC

2012: Assets from Jensen Devices AB, Stockholm, Sweden

2014: Komatsulite Mfg. Co., Ltd

2015: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.'s trimming potentiometer business