4.3-10 Male to 4.3-10 Male Lightning Arrester - DC - 3 GHz

Product Overview

This 4.3-10 Male to 4.3-10 Male lightning arrester is an inline RF surge protector for coaxial transmission lines operating from DC to 3 GHz. It is designed to sit between an antenna path and connected radio equipment, providing a controlled route for lightning-induced transients. The unit uses a replaceable 90 V gas discharge tube (GDT) rated for 10 kA on an 8/20 us waveform. During normal RF operation, the GDT remains at high impedance so the signal path stays available; when a surge is present, the discharge tube creates a path that directs surge energy toward the grounding connection.


The GDT design provides a low-capacitance signal path, and the stated 0.2 dB insertion loss helps limit RF impact across the specified band. The tube can be tested and replaced after a significant event. This lightning arrester suits RF paths where low loss and broadband operation are required.

Protection Mechanism and Construction

• Protection Element: The RF surge protector uses a 90 V gas discharge tube with a stated 10 kA (8/20 us) discharge capability. Located in the central body, the replaceable element can be accessed for service without removing the connected cable assembly.
• Grounding Path: A side-mounted ring terminal connects the 4.3-10 surge protector to an earth bar. A short, direct ground lead is important because the grounding path affects how transient energy is managed at the equipment interface.
• Body: The inline body is made from machined brass with corrosion-resistant plating. This configuration supports direct integration at a panel, bulkhead, cable entry point, or other suitable position in the RF line.
• Connector Interface: The 4.3-10 Male to 4.3-10 Male interface is intended for standard cable assemblies and standard connector torque practice, allowing the lightning arrester to be incorporated without changing the basic cable format.

The compact 4.3-10 interface supports high-density base-station RF installations that require a lightning arrester at the line interface.

Reference Technical Specifications

The following values describe the reference configuration of this 4.3-10 Male to 4.3-10 Male lightning arrester. Confirm all requirements against the final production configuration before installation or procurement.

Confirm these reference figures against the selected final configuration.

Engineering Comparison

• vs. Quarter-Wave Stub: A quarter-wave stub is tuned to a design frequency and grounds DC, so its useful range is comparatively narrow. The 4.3-10 Male to 4.3-10 Male lightning arrester is specified from DC to 3 GHz, making this RF surge protector suitable for multi-band line deployments where retuning is not desired.
• vs. Diode-Based Protector: Diode limiters may clamp at a lower threshold, but their added capacitance can affect frequency range and power handling. The GDT-based 4.3-10 surge protector is specified at 0.2 dB insertion loss and 250 W CW reference power handling, supporting use on applicable transmitter and antenna lines.
• vs. DC Block Surge Protector: A DC block prevents DC and low-frequency energy from passing through the line, but it does not create an earth path for a high-energy surge. The lightning arrester is designed to provide that grounding route through its GDT and ring-terminal connection.

Applications

• 4G/5G Base Stations, Antenna Systems, and RRU Feeders: The 4.3-10 Male to 4.3-10 Male lightning arrester can be placed on antenna lines to help protect radio equipment from induced transient energy.
• Tower and Rooftop Installations: The RF surge protector may be located at a cable entry point to establish a defined connection to the site earth bar.
• Multi-Band Radio Sites: Its DC to 3 GHz reference passband supports legacy and current RF paths without a frequency-specific tuning arrangement.
• Equipment Racks and Test Systems: This lightning arrester can also be positioned at an equipment input for longer coaxial cable runs.

Installation and Grounding Notes

• Grounding First: Connect the grounding lug to the earth bar using the shortest practical lead. A long or thin lead adds inductance and can reduce the effectiveness of the grounding path used by the lightning arrester.
• Mounting: Install the inline body with the grounding connection oriented toward the cable-entry or protected-zone arrangement used at the site.
• Torque and Sealing: Tighten 4.3-10 connectors to the connector manufacturer's specified torque. For an outdoor connection, use suitable weatherproofing tape or a weather boot around the interface.

OEM and B2B Support

OEM Customization: Volume orders may include custom connector combinations, 90 V or 230 V discharge options, and special plating.

Cable Assembly Options: Factory-terminated jumper assemblies with a pre-installed RF surge protector can be supplied.

Packaging and Marking: Protective packaging, custom labeling, and batch test reports are available on request.

FAQ

Q: How often does the gas discharge tube need replacement?

A: The installed 90 V tube is rated for 10 kA (8/20 us). After a major surge event, test the element and replace the tube if it leaks or fails the hold-off test.

Q: Will this 4.3-10 Male to 4.3-10 Male lightning arrester affect my DC - 3 GHz signal?

A: The reference insertion loss is 0.2 dB and the maximum VSWR is 1.25 across the stated passband. These values indicate a limited RF effect for applicable antenna-line use, subject to the final configuration.

Q: Can I use this arrester indoors?

A: Yes. This lightning arrester may be installed at an equipment end or entry point as another RF-line protection stage.