N Male to N Male Lightning Arrester - DC - 6 GHz

Product Overview

This N Male to N Male lightning arrester is an inline RF surge-protection device for 50 ohm coaxial systems operating from DC to 6 GHz. Installed between an antenna feeder and connected radio equipment, it provides a controlled path for lightning-induced or switching transients while allowing the intended RF signal to continue through the line. The protection assembly uses a replaceable 90 V gas discharge tube (GDT) rated for a 10 kA 8/20 us surge waveform. In normal service, the GDT remains non-conductive, keeping the RF path isolated from ground and supporting a stated insertion loss of 0.3 dB.

The key advantage of this N Male to N Male lightning arrester is its low-capacitance GDT arrangement. This approach is suited to RF lines because it helps preserve signal transmission across the specified DC - 6 GHz passband instead of placing a continuously conductive path on the coaxial line. When a transient reaches the protection threshold, the gas tube switches to a conductive state and routes surge energy toward the grounding connection. Following a severe event, the replaceable tube can be inspected and changed when necessary, avoiding replacement of the entire inline body.

Protection Mechanism and Construction

• Protection Element: The central protection component is a 90 V gas discharge tube with a 10 kA capability under the 8/20 us waveform. It is positioned within the arrester body so the tube may be accessed for replacement without removing the associated cable assembly.
• Grounding Path: A side-mounted ring terminal connects the arrester to an earth bar. A short, direct grounding lead is important because the inductance of this route affects the transient energy that can remain on the equipment side of the line.
• Body: The inline housing is machined brass with corrosion-resistant plating. This format can be fitted directly in a feeder run and is suitable for panel or bulkhead-adjacent installation arrangements.
• Connector Interface: Both ends use N Male interfaces for connection to standard compatible cable assemblies. Normal connector torque practices should be followed to maintain the mechanical and RF connection.

Reference Technical Specifications

The values below describe the reference configuration of this N Male to N Male lightning arrester. Confirm the final production configuration before selecting the unit for a specific installation.

These reference values apply to this protection family and should be checked against the final production version selected for the project.

Engineering Comparison

• vs. Quarter-Wave Stub: A quarter-wave device is tuned around a defined operating frequency and can provide a grounded path for DC. Its protection behavior is therefore tied to a narrower RF range. The N Male to N Male lightning arrester covers DC - 6 GHz, making it appropriate where several bands may be present on the same site.
• vs. Diode-Based Protector: Diode protection designs can offer a different response characteristic, but their added capacitance may constrain high-frequency operation or power handling. The GDT-based N Male to N Male lightning arrester maintains the stated 0.3 dB insertion loss and 150 W reference power handling for applicable RF feeder lines.
• vs. DC Block Surge Protector: A DC-blocking device prevents DC and low-frequency energy from continuing along a line, but it does not itself provide a dedicated earth route for a high-energy transient. This arrester includes a grounding connection intended to divert surge energy away from outdoor antenna equipment.

Applications

• 5G RRU jumper, antenna line, test bench: For 5G RRU jumper surge protection, this N Male to N Male lightning arrester can be placed in the antenna-line path to help protect radio equipment from coupled transients.
• Tower and Rooftop Installations: It may be mounted near a cable entry point for a shelter or cabinet, where the transmission line is bonded to the site earthing arrangement.
• Multi-Band Radio Sites: The DC - 6 GHz operating range supports installations using different legacy or current radio bands without selecting a separate frequency-tuned protector for each line.
• Equipment Racks and Test Systems: At an equipment input, the arrester adds a surge-protection point for modules and instruments connected through longer coaxial runs. It can serve as the final protective location before the radio-side connection.

Installation and Grounding Notes

• Grounding First: For 5G RRU jumper surge protection, connect the grounding lug to the earth bar with the shortest practical conductor. Excessive ground-lead length or a very small conductor can increase inductance and reduce the effectiveness of the N Male to N Male lightning arrester during a transient.
• Mounting: Position the inline body close to the cable-entry protection zone and orient the grounding lug for a direct connection to the approved earthing system.
• Torque and Sealing: Use the torque guidance supplied by the connector manufacturer. Where the interface is exposed outdoors, apply suitable weatherproofing tape or a weather boot around the connector connection.

OEM and B2B Support

• OEM Customization: For volume requirements, connector combinations, 90 V or 230 V discharge-voltage options, and alternative plating may be discussed for the required configuration.
• Cable Assembly Options: Factory-terminated jumper assemblies with the arrester incorporated may be supplied for installations requiring a preconfigured connection approach.
• Packaging and Marking: Individual protective packaging, custom labels, and batch test reports may be available on request for defined supply programs.

FAQ

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

A: The 90 V tube is specified for a 10 kA 8/20 us surge condition. After a major surge, test the tube for leakage and hold-off behavior. If the test result is not acceptable, replace the tube rather than the complete arrester body.

Q: Will this N Male to N Male lightning arrester affect my DC - 6 GHz signal?

A: The reference configuration lists 0.3 dB insertion loss and a maximum VSWR of 1.35 across the DC - 6 GHz passband, so the expected RF impact is limited when the unit is used in a compatible antenna-line system.

Q: Can I use this arrester indoors?

A: Yes. In addition to an entry-point installation, this N Male to N Male lightning arrester can be fitted at the equipment end of a cable route to create an additional protection stage for connected radio equipment.