F Male to F Female Lightning Arrester - DC - 3 GHz

Product Overview

This F Male to F Female lightning arrester is a 75 ohm surge protector for RF transmission lines operating from DC to 3 GHz. It uses a replaceable 90 V gas discharge tube (GDT) rated for 10 kA on an 8/20 us waveform. In normal service, the GDT remains high impedance so that the RF path can pass with 0.2 dB insertion loss. During a lightning-induced or switching transient, the tube ionizes rapidly and routes surge energy through the grounding lug rather than toward connected equipment.

As an RF surge protector, the unit is intended to protect antenna-line equipment while keeping the signal path practical for 75 ohm systems. The low-capacitance GDT design supports broad-band operation and allows the discharge element to be replaced after a significant event. Compared with diode solutions, a GDT has a higher operating threshold, but this arrangement is suitable where low loss and a serviceable protection element are important.

Protection Mechanism and Construction

• Protection Element: The F Male to F Female lightning arrester contains a 90 V GDT with 10 kA (8/20 us) discharge capability. Its serviceable design allows the tube to be accessed without removing the cable assembly.
• Grounding Path: A side ring terminal accepts a grounding conductor from the earth bar. For any RF surge protector, a short, low-inductance ground route is an important part of the installed protection system.
• Body: The bulkhead-style body is machined brass with corrosion-resistant plating, providing a direct panel or bulkhead mounting option.
• Connector Interface: F Male to F Female interfaces connect with standard 75 ohm cable assemblies, so the 75 ohm surge protector can be introduced into an existing line without changing connector families.

Reference Technical Specifications

The values below describe this F Male to F Female lightning arrester and should be checked against the final production configuration for a specific order.

Reference figures are provided for this protection family; confirm final values before specifying the product for a project.

Engineering Comparison

• vs. Quarter-Wave Stub: A quarter-wave device is frequency dependent and grounds DC, while this 75 ohm surge protector covers DC - 3 GHz without retuning. That broader passband can simplify use across multi-band antenna-line installations.
• vs. Diode-Based Protector: Diode limiters may clamp at a lower level but add capacitance to the RF path. The GDT-based F Male to F Female lightning arrester is intended to maintain a low-loss path, with 0.2 dB insertion loss and 60 W reference power handling.
• vs. DC Block Protector: A DC block prevents DC or low-frequency energy from continuing on the line, but it does not provide the same grounded discharge route. This RF surge protector uses the grounding connection to direct transient energy away from the protected input.

Applications

• Satellite TV, CATV Headend and LNB Protection: The F Male to F Female lightning arrester can be placed on a 75 ohm antenna line to support satellite TV surge protection before the signal reaches radio or receiver equipment.
• Tower and Rooftop Cable Entries: Installing the 75 ohm surge protector where a cable enters a shelter or cabinet helps establish a grounded transition between outdoor cable runs and indoor equipment.
• Multi-Band Radio Sites: The DC - 3 GHz passband allows one RF surge protector design to be considered across relevant legacy and current bands.
• Equipment Racks and Test Systems: The F Male to F Female lightning arrester may be used at an equipment input where long cable runs can couple transients into sensitive modules or instrumentation.

Installation and Grounding Notes

• Grounding First: For satellite TV surge protection, connect the lug to the earth bar using the shortest practical conductor. The grounding route has a direct effect on the installed performance of an RF surge protector.
• Mounting: Secure the bulkhead body with the grounding lug positioned for a direct cable-entry connection and within the applicable lightning-protection zone.
• Torque and Sealing: Tighten connectors to the connector manufacturer’s specified torque. Where the installation is outdoors, apply suitable weatherproofing over the F connector interface.

OEM and B2B Support

• OEM Customization: Connector combinations, alternate discharge voltages, and plating options can be discussed for volume requirements.
• Cable Assembly Options: Factory-terminated jumper assemblies with the F Male to F Female lightning arrester pre-installed may be supplied for installation requirements.
• Packaging and Marking: Individual protective packaging, custom labels, and batch test reports are available on request.

FAQ

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

A: The 90 V tube is rated for 10 kA (8/20 us). Following a major surge event, test the tube for leakage or hold-off performance. If replacement is required, the F Male to F Female lightning arrester can be serviced without replacing the full body.

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

A: Its reference insertion loss is 0.2 dB and maximum VSWR is 1.3 across the stated passband. These values are intended to keep RF impact low in applicable antenna-line installations.

Q: Can I use this arrester indoors?

A: Yes. In addition to cable-entry placement for satellite TV surge protection, the RF surge protector can be installed near the equipment end of a cable run as a further protective stage.