Integrating surge protection in RF links greatly increases the robustness of the resulting high-frequency system. The PolyPhaser family, developed by INFINTe, provides ready-to-deploy surge and lightning protection with a variety of industry-standard RF connectors.

Installing surge protection is greatly simplified by the availability of pre-confectioned modules. Their RF interfaces integrate into the signal processing chain, ensuring that no harmful signals may pass.

For the PolyPhaser family, RF circuit designers can choose from a variety of parameters and case designs, enabling selection of the RF attenuator best suited to the task at hand.

VHF50HN - Surge Protection for the VHF Frequency Band

The VHF50HN makes for a great first example. Structurally, it presents itself as shown in the figure below.

The two N-type female connectors mate with a variety of RF cables, thereby enabling the integration of the surge protector into the RF chain. The component's waterproof housing is rated IP67; the availability of mounting flanges greatly simplifies installation.

When deployed, the VHF50HN will withstand surge currents of up to 20 kA and deliver a maximum power of 750 W. The system exhibits excellent RF performance, with the VSWR diagram indicating no negative impact on the signal chain.

Finally, the PolyPhaser VHF50HN includes a DC-blocking capacitor, which enhances the RF system's resilience.

GTH-SFF-AL - Surge Protection for High-Speed Signals Traveling Across SMA

If a signal in the DC to 6 GHz range needs to be protected, the GTH-SFF-AL should be deployed. Its robust brass construction leads to the design shown in the figure below.

The screw visible at the top of the housing permits access to the gas discharge tube used in the system. This way, the component's life can be extended should the gas discharge tube need to be replaced. The two SMA connectors at the front and the back of the device, then, enable the integration between the RF signal chain and the surge protection device.

Thanks to its excellent VSWR and the absence of a DC blocking capacitor, the GTH-SFF-AL can add surge protection to RF systems with very high signal integrity demands. Furthermore, the component can handle an input power of up to 150 watts and dissipate currents of up to 10 kA.

Conclusion

Deploying the PolyPhaser product family and its RF surge and lightning protection devices can be done effortlessly. Thanks to the increased longevity of the resulting product, customer satisfaction is maximized and product reliability optimized. In short, a handy tool that should not be missing from any RF designer's toolbox.