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

Product Overview

This SMA Male to SMA Female lightning arrester is an inline 50 ohm protection component for DC to 3 GHz coaxial paths. Its replaceable 90 V GDT is referenced at 10 kA on the 8/20 us waveform and directs a transient toward the ground lug. The specified insertion loss during normal RF operation is 0.2 dB.

Core Trade-off: The gas-discharge layout provides a serviceable protection element and a low-capacitance path. Its activation behavior differs from a diode limiter, so use should follow the selected cable, equipment, and bonding arrangement.

Protection Mechanism and Construction

• Protection Element: The central enclosure contains a replaceable 90 V GDT rated at 10 kA for the 8/20 us wave. It can be inspected or replaced while the cable remains connected.
• Grounding Path: A side ring terminal bonds the device to the earth bar. Use a short practical conductor because its route affects energy reaching downstream equipment.
• Body: The plated brass body has an inline form suitable for a compatible coaxial route.
• Connector Interface: SMA male and female interfaces accept compatible cable assemblies; follow the relevant connector torque guidance.

Reference Technical Specifications

The following values are reference information for this product. Confirm them against the selected production configuration before deployment.

Use these values as references and verify the final configuration before installation.

Engineering Comparison

• vs. Quarter-Wave Stub: A quarter-wave solution operates around a selected frequency and narrow DC-grounded band. This configuration is specified from DC to 3 GHz for compatible multiband cable paths.
• vs. Diode-Based Protector: Diode limiters can add capacitance that affects frequency or power capability. This GDT device lists 0.2 dB loss and 100 W reference CW handling for suitable RF lines.
• vs. DC Block Surge Protector: A DC block does not offer the same high-energy route to earth. This device directs a transient toward its grounding connection in applicable antenna-line installations.

Applications

• Indoor radio and IoT gateway, GPS receiver: For indoor radio and iot gateway surge protection, this SMA Male to SMA Female lightning arrester protects radio equipment from induced surges on the antenna line.
• Tower and Rooftop Installations: Mounted where the cable enters the shelter or cabinet, this arrester provides the single-point earth reference for the transmission line.
• Multi-Band Radio Sites: The DC - 3 GHz passband covers legacy and current bands without retuning, simplifying stock and installation.
• Equipment Racks and Test Systems: Used at the equipment input to protect modules and instrumentation from transients coupled through long cable runs, this 3 GHz coaxial lightning protection point is the last line of defense before the radio.

Installation and Grounding Notes

• Grounding First: For indoor radio and iot gateway surge protection, connect the grounding lug to the earth bar with the shortest practical lead. The protection level depends on the ground path inductance, so a long or thin ground lead defeats the arrester.
• Mounting: The inline body is mounted with the grounding lug facing the cable entry. Keep the arrester within the protected zone of the lightning protection system.
• Torque and Sealing: Tighten connectors to the connector manufacturer torque values. For outdoor installations use weatherproofing tape or a weather boot over the connector interface.

OEM and B2B Support

• OEM Customization: Custom connector combinations, alternate discharge voltages (90 V, 230 V), and special plating are available for volume orders.
• Cable Assembly Options: Factory-terminated jumper assemblies with the arrester pre-installed can be supplied for plug-and-play installation.
• Packaging and Marking: Individual protective packaging, custom labeling, 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). After a major surge event the tube should be tested; if it shows leakage or fails the hold-off test it can be replaced without replacing the whole arrester.

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

A: Insertion loss is 0.2 dB with VSWR of 1.25 or better across the passband, so the RF impact is minimal for antenna line applications.

Q: Can I use this arrester indoors?

A: Yes. It may be positioned at an equipment-side cable location or an entry point where another grounded protection stage is required. Review cable routing, equipment access, connector engagement, indoor panel placement, grounding continuity, and the selected IoT gateway location before commissioning. Confirm the final production configuration and the relevant site installation practice during review. SMA Male to SMA Female lightning arrester selection should match the cable interfaces and bonding route. This RF surge protector is used with the listed 50 ohm setup. Confirm the 3 GHz coaxial lightning protection range against the final RF assembly. For indoor radio and iot gateway surge protection, choose an accessible equipment-side or entry location. A second SMA Male to SMA Female lightning arrester reference may be kept in installation records.