Littelfuse has introduced a proprietary family of gas plasma overvoltage protectors that it says provide significantly improved performance over traditional gas discharge tubes (GDT). Designed for use in a wide range of electronic and data protection applications, they are available in traditional leaded configurations and small surface mount designs. Leaded versions are also available in smaller sizes, making them suitable for the new generation of MDF (main distribution frame) protection modules.
Littelfuse gas plasma OVP devices (GDTs) have a much faster response time to transient overvoltage events than traditional offerings. This fast response time translates into a much lower breakdown voltage and a reduced risk of equipment damage. These devices have the ability to handle very high current surges - up to 10 000 A - while effectively suppressing overvoltage transients. Their low capacitance (typically 1-2 pF), high insulation resistance (greater than 1 GΩ) and low leakage ensure that the part has virtually no effect on the protected system during normal (non-surge) operating conditions.
The surface mount devices have been optimised for broadband applications and present no signal loss up to 1,8 GHz; they are able to deal with 2/10 µs surges of up to 2000 A, so can be used in conjunction with over-current devices to protect equipment against surges specified by Telcordia 1089. The Littelfuse Gas Plasma line provides a means for designers to incorporate this protection approach into both primary and secondary applications that expose data lines to any high-level overvoltage threat. Available in both two and three terminal configurations, the line also offers a 'fail-safe' which limits heat caused by a power cross event.
The hybrid gas plasma device series combines the GDT's high surge capability with the low clamping voltage of silicon avalanche diodes into a single package. This configuration provides improved overvoltage suppression response and lower breakdown voltages over traditional designs.
The product offers extremely fast response, with no appreciable dv/dt switching delays, a high current handling capability (up to 5 kA 8/20 µs defined by IEC 1000-4-5), high insulation resistance and low capacitance (<100 pF @ 1 MHz).
For more information contact Ashley Sundraj, Arrow Altech Distribution, 011 923 9600, [email protected]
| Tel: | +27 11 923 9600 |
| Email: | [email protected] |
| www: | www.altronarrow.com |
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