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

Product Overview

Designed for 50 ohm RF installations, this N Male to SMA Male lightning arrester provides a grounded surge-diversion point on links operating from DC through 3 GHz. The replaceable 90 V GDT is referenced for 10 kA using the 8/20 us waveform. In normal service it is electrically inactive, allowing the signal path to operate at a reference 0.2 dB insertion loss. A surge on the coaxial line causes the GDT to conduct, transferring the transient toward the connected grounding system rather than allowing it to continue to the radio equipment.

This GDT approach supports installations where preserving the RF path and servicing the protection component are both important. Following a significant event, the tube can be evaluated and changed independently instead of replacing the entire inline unit. Compared with some diode solutions, a GDT may begin conducting at a higher threshold; however, its low-capacitance characteristic makes it appropriate for many antenna feeders, outdoor radio links, and equipment interconnects.

Protection Mechanism and Construction

• Protection Element: A removable 90 V gas discharge tube forms the surge-control element and carries a 10 kA reference rating on the 8/20 us waveform. The arrangement permits element servicing without replacing the complete coaxial connection.
• Grounding Path: The side ring terminal provides the earth connection. Keeping this conductor short, straight, and low in inductance is important because the earth route influences how much transient voltage remains at the protected interface.
• Body: A plated machined-brass body houses the inline assembly. Its compact form supports placement at a bulkhead, panel, cable-entry location, or near a protected device.
• Connector Interface: The N Male to SMA Male connector configuration is intended for compatible standard RF assemblies. Use the applicable connector torque guidance when making the installation.

Reference Technical Specifications

The table lists reference characteristics for this N Male to SMA Male lightning arrester. Confirm the applicable values with the final ordered production configuration.

Use the listed values as configuration references and verify them against the final production version before installation.

Engineering Comparison

• vs. Quarter-Wave Stub: Quarter-wave devices are frequency-dependent and generally serve a narrower design band. With a stated DC - 3 GHz passband, this inline arrester is better suited to installations requiring wider-band RF coverage.
• vs. Diode-Based Protector: Diode protection can offer rapid limiting, while added capacitance may influence high-frequency behavior and usable power. The GDT path is selected where low reference loss and 100 W reference handling are relevant considerations.
• vs. DC Block Surge Protector: A DC block interrupts DC passage but does not provide the same earth route for diverting a high-energy transient. The grounding connection on this arrester addresses surge diversion in antenna-line installations.

Applications

• Feeder-module interconnect, antenna to LNA: For feeder-module interconnect surge protection RF surge protector applications, position the unit in the antenna path so induced transients are directed to earth before reaching a receiver front end or LNA.
• Tower and Rooftop Installations: At tower, rooftop, or building-entry locations, the inline body can be connected near a shelter or cabinet cable entry to create a defined earth-reference point for the coaxial run.
• Multi-Band Radio Sites: Its stated DC - 3 GHz coverage supports a range of radio bands without relying on a frequency-specific tuning adjustment.
• Equipment Racks and Test Systems: As a 3 GHz coaxial lightning protection point at an equipment input, the device can help route cable-coupled transient energy away from connected modules and test instruments.

Installation and Grounding Notes

• Grounding First: Bond the ground lug to the site earth bar with the most direct practical conductor. Long, thin, or looped conductors increase path inductance and can reduce the effectiveness of the surge-diversion route.
• Mounting: Locate the inline unit close to the cable entry whenever the installation layout permits, with the lug arranged for a direct earth bond. Keep the assembly within the protected area of the site's lightning-protection system.
• Torque and Sealing: Make RF connections using the connector supplier's recommended torque. Outdoors, protect the mated interfaces with a suitable weather seal, tape, or boot.

OEM and B2B Support

• OEM Customization: For applicable volume requirements, the supplier may discuss other connector pairings, 90 V or 230 V discharge options, and alternate plating treatments.
• Cable Assembly Options: Pre-terminated jumper assemblies with the arrester integrated may be offered when an installation requires a ready-to-connect cable arrangement.
• Packaging and Marking: Order-dependent options may include protective packaging, marking or labeling, and batch test documentation.

FAQ

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

A: The 90 V tube has a 10 kA reference capability on the 8/20 us waveform. Inspect and test the GDT after a major transient; replacement is appropriate if leakage appears or the tube does not meet the relevant hold-off check.

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

A: Reference performance is 0.2 dB insertion loss with VSWR up to 1.3 over the stated passband. In compatible antenna-line systems, these values are intended to keep signal-path influence limited.

Q: Can I use this arrester indoors?

A: Yes. The arrester can be installed at an equipment-side interface or at the cable entrance, where it may function as another surge-protection stage within the RF installation.