Gas discharge tubes prevent overvoltage

Tyco Electronics has announced the addition of devices to its line of gas discharge tubes (GDTs).

Helping to protect high-speed XDSL modems, splitters, DSLAM equipment, AIO printers, base stations and security systems from damage caused by overvoltage events, the surface-mount GDTs are available in an expanded range of sizes and surge ratings.

Compliant with major industry standards, including GR-1089 Core, ITU K.20/K.21 and TIA, the GDTs are available in two-electrode and three-electrode versions and provide low-capacitance protection for a wide range of telecom and datacom applications.

Key device parameters include voltage ranges from 75V to 600V, capacitance values as low as 0.5pF, and sizes ranging from 3mm to 8mm.

'The low capacitance of these GDTs means they can be used in high data rate circuits and their small form factor helps optimise valuable board space,' said Theresa Lagos, product manager for Raychem circuit protection products, Tyco Electronics.

GDTs are commonly used to help protect sensitive telecom equipment from damage caused by transient surge voltages that may result from lightning strikes and equipment switching operations.

They are placed in front of and in parallel with the equipment, acting as a high impedance component.

In the event of an overvoltage surge, the GDT switches to a low impedance state, and diverts the energy away from the electronic equipment.

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