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

Product Overview

This N Male to N Female lightning arrester is an inline protection unit for 50 ohm coaxial feeder systems operating from DC to 3 GHz. It is placed between an antenna cable and radio equipment to provide a discharge route when a lightning-induced transient enters the line. Its 90 V gas discharge tube remains isolated during normal RF operation, allowing the signal to pass through the connector pair with a stated 0.2 dB insertion loss. When a surge raises the line voltage, the tube conducts and directs energy toward the grounding terminal.

The design serves base-station feeders, radio links, outdoor cabinet entries, and related antenna installations. A GDT gives the N Male to N Female lightning arrester a low-capacitance RF path while retaining a replaceable protective element. It is important to treat the device as part of the site grounding arrangement: its result in service depends on a short, direct earth path. The GDT approach has a higher operating threshold than some diode circuits, but is suitable for broadband feeder protection where signal-path loading must remain controlled.

Protection Mechanism and Construction

• Discharge tube: A 90 V gas discharge tube rated for 10 kA on an 8/20 us waveform is installed in the central body. The element can be inspected or changed after a major event without replacing the whole lightning arrester.
• Ground terminal: A ring terminal on the side of the body connects the lightning arrester to the earth bar. A low-inductance lead helps transfer surge current away from the protected feeder.
• Body construction: The body is machined brass with corrosion-resistant plating. Its bulkhead format supports secure mounting at a panel, shelter wall, cabinet entry, or similar transition point.
• RF interface: N Male to N Female connections allow direct integration with compatible cable assemblies. Tighten each connection according to the connector manufacturer guidance.

Reference Technical Specifications

These values describe the reference configuration of the N Male to N Female lightning arrester. Confirm the final production configuration before using the data for system selection.

Reference values apply to this protection family and should be verified for the final selected version.

Engineering Comparison

• Quarter-wave stubs: A quarter-wave product is normally optimized for a narrower frequency range. This lightning arrester covers DC to 3 GHz, making it useful where several radio bands share feeder infrastructure.
• Diode protectors: Diodes may clamp at lower levels, while their capacitance can influence upper-frequency response and power capability. The GDT lightning arrester is specified for 0.2 dB insertion loss and 200 W reference CW handling.
• DC-block products: Interrupting DC does not create a dedicated route for high-energy surge current. The grounding terminal on this lightning arrester provides that earth path when correctly connected.

Applications

• 2G/3G/4G feeder systems: Install the lightning arrester on antenna cable paths serving cellular base stations to reduce exposure from induced transients before they enter radio equipment.
• Tower and rooftop entries: The bulkhead body can be fitted where a coaxial feeder enters a shelter, cabinet, or building, then joined to the established earth bar.
• Multi-band radio links: DC - 3 GHz coverage supports a range of legacy and current feeder paths without requiring a separate frequency-specific unit for every line.
• Equipment and test racks: The N Male to N Female lightning arrester can be placed near a radio, transmitter, receiver, or test instrument input connected to an extended external cable.

Installation and Grounding Notes

• Ground first: Use the shortest practical, suitably sized conductor between the ring terminal and earth bar. Excess length adds inductance to the lightning arrester ground path.
• Mounting location: Put the bulkhead lightning arrester at the feeder entry or another point within the protected zone of the overall lightning-protection arrangement.
• Outdoor sealing: Tighten the N connectors correctly and protect exposed joints with appropriate weatherproofing tape or a weather boot.

OEM and B2B Support

• Configuration options: Connector combinations, 90 V or 230 V discharge options, and special plating are available for volume orders.
• Cable assemblies: Factory-terminated jumper assemblies with the lightning arrester already installed can be supplied for installation-ready use.
• Packaging and identification: Protective packaging, custom labels, and batch test reports are available on request.

FAQ

Q: When should the GDT be replaced?

A: After a substantial surge, check the 90 V tube for leakage and hold-off performance. Replace a failed tube rather than the complete lightning arrester.

Q: What RF effect should be expected?

A: Reference performance is 0.2 dB insertion loss with a maximum VSWR of 1.25 over DC - 3 GHz, supporting antenna feeder applications.

Q: Can the unit be installed indoors?

A: Yes. This lightning arrester can be fitted at a feeder entry or close to equipment if an effective earth connection is available. For project planning, confirm the lightning arrester location, lightning arrester connector orientation, lightning arrester ground lead, and lightning arrester weatherproofing arrangement before installing each lightning arrester on an outdoor feeder. Verify the lightning arrester frequency range, lightning arrester connector match, lightning arrester mounting position, lightning arrester grounding continuity, lightning arrester sealing, lightning arrester discharge-tube condition, lightning arrester cable route, and lightning arrester earth-bar connection and lightning arrester inspection record as part of the installation check.