SMA Female to SMA Female Lightning Arrester - DC - 3 GHz

Product Overview

This SMA Female to SMA Female lightning arrester is an RF surge protector for 50 ohm coaxial lines from DC to 3 GHz. Installed between an antenna feed and connected equipment, it routes transient energy to ground before it reaches radio hardware. The assembly uses a replaceable 90 V gas discharge tube (GDT) with a 10 kA (8/20 us) surge-current rating. During normal service, the GDT remains high impedance so the line can carry RF with a stated 0.2 dB insertion loss.

For installations that need 3 GHz coaxial lightning protection without interrupting the signal path, the product combines an SMA Female to SMA Female connector interface with a side grounding lug and a square-flange body. The replaceable tube supports inspection after a significant event without replacing the full SMA Female to SMA Female lightning arrester assembly.

Protection Mechanism and Construction

• Protection Element: This RF surge protector uses a 90 V gas discharge tube rated for 10 kA on an 8/20 us waveform. In normal operation it presents high impedance; when a transient occurs, it provides a path for surge energy to move toward the grounding connection. The tube is replaceable without removing the cable assembly, supporting service of this RF surge protector.
• Grounding Path: For 3 GHz coaxial lightning protection, a ring terminal on the body accepts a ground conductor from the earth bar. For 3 GHz coaxial lightning protection, the grounding lead should be kept short and practical because the path from the discharge element to ground affects the amount of transient energy that may continue toward the equipment.
• Body: This SMA Female to SMA Female lightning arrester has a machined-brass body with corrosion-resistant plating. Its square flange supports panel or bulkhead mounting near a cable entry or protected equipment.
• Connector Interface: This SMA Female to SMA Female lightning arrester uses two SMA female interfaces that accept compatible standard SMA cable assemblies.

Reference Technical Specifications

The following values describe this SMA Female to SMA Female lightning arrester. Confirm the final production configuration before selecting this SMA Female to SMA Female lightning arrester for a system.

Confirm these values against the final production configuration.

Engineering Comparison

• Compared with a Quarter-Wave Stub: A quarter-wave approach is designed around a selected frequency and grounds DC. By contrast, this SMA Female to SMA Female lightning arrester covers DC - 3 GHz for multi-band systems within that range.
• Compared with a Diode-Based Protector: Diode limiters are another approach. This RF surge protector uses a gas discharge tube and is listed with 0.2 dB insertion loss, 1.25 maximum VSWR, and 100 W reference CW power handling.
• Compared with a DC Block Surge Protector: A DC block has a different function in a coaxial system. For 3 GHz coaxial lightning protection, it directs surge energy to earth through its grounding lug.

Applications

• Equipment Front Panels, Transceivers, and SDR Units: The SMA Female to SMA Female lightning arrester can be placed at the equipment-side end of an antenna cable to provide an RF surge protector point before the signal reaches sensitive radio hardware.
• Tower and Rooftop Cable Entries: At a shelter or cabinet entry, this RF surge protector can provide a grounded point for the line within the site grounding design.
• Multi-Band Radio Sites: For 3 GHz coaxial lightning protection, the DC - 3 GHz passband supports multiple bands within the stated operating range.
• Equipment Racks and Test Systems: For long coaxial runs, place the RF surge protector at the equipment input as a grounded protection point within the site grounding design.

Installation and Grounding Notes

• Grounding First: For 3 GHz coaxial lightning protection, connect the ring terminal to the earth bar using the shortest practical lead. Avoid unnecessarily long or thin ground conductors.
• Mounting: Use the square flange to secure the body of the SMA Female to SMA Female lightning arrester at the chosen panel or bulkhead position. Place the RF surge protector where the grounding lug connects directly and remains accessible.
• Torque and Sealing: Tighten SMA connectors to manufacturer torque guidance. For an outdoor 3 GHz coaxial lightning protection installation, protect the connector interface with appropriate weatherproofing tape or a weather boot.

OEM and B2B Support

• Configuration Options: For this SMA Female to SMA Female lightning arrester, custom connector combinations, alternate discharge voltages, and special plating may be available for volume orders.
• Cable Assembly Options: Factory-terminated jumper assemblies may be available with the arrester pre-installed.
• Packaging and Marking: Protective packaging, custom labeling, and batch test reports may be available on request.

FAQ

Q: When should the gas discharge tube be replaced?

A: The 90 V tube is rated for 10 kA (8/20 us). After a major surge, inspect and test the tube; replace it if it leaks or does not pass the applicable hold-off test.

Q: Will this RF surge protector affect a DC - 3 GHz signal?

A: This RF surge protector has listed values of 0.2 dB insertion loss and 1.25 maximum VSWR across the passband; confirm final compatibility before deployment.

Q: Can this SMA Female to SMA Female lightning arrester be used at the equipment end of a cable run?

A: Yes. This SMA Female to SMA Female lightning arrester can be installed at an equipment end or cable entry point when the ground connection and site lightning-protection arrangement are suitable.