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Gas Discharge Tube Arresters (GDTs) are a type of surge protection device particularly designed to protect electronic circuits from high-voltage transients caused by electrostatic discharge (ESD) and lightning. They are unique in the way they work, and often used in high-risk applications such as power distribution systems, telecommunications, and instrumentation. This article will provide an overview of GDTs, their application fields, and the working principle behind them.

What is a Gas Discharge Tube Arrester?

A Gas Discharge Tube Arrester (GDT) is an electrical device installed in a circuit to protect it from transient voltages. It is composed of a gas filled tube, which is connected between two electrodes, and can be either automatic or manually actuated. GDTs are one of the most common types of surge protectors and are used in a variety of applications, from power distribution systems to large scale industrial projects.

Application Fields

GDTs are used in a variety of application fields, wherever electronic devices are to be protected from high-voltage transients. These applications include power distribution systems, telecommunications, instrumentation, industrial automation, data storage, and military applications. GDTs are also often used as EMI filters in military and industrial applications, as they provide good protection against both high-energy transients and low-frequency electromagnetic interference.

Working Principle

GDTs work by providing an electrical path between their electrodes when a high voltage transient is applied. Basically, the tube acts as a resistor, which is connected in parallel with the circuit. The resistance of the tube depends on the gas inside, and when a surge is applied, the GDT saturates, providing a low-pressure path for the current to flow. This path should be brief, however, as the arrester will self-resurrect very quickly, which means that the circuit gets protected even further from successive surges.

In addition, GDTs also provide some shielding effect, as the high voltages cause a plasma discharge inside the tube, which essentially absorbs the transients and reduces the field effects that would otherwise be present in the unprotected circuit elements. This provides a strong level of protection against both electrostatic discharge and lightning.

The lifetime of a GDT is determined by the gas in the tube, as well as the number of surges that it has to endure. Over time, the gas inside the tube will get depleted, reducing the ability of the GDT to protect against transients and shortening its lifespan. It is therefore important to inspect and replace a GDT after a certain number of high energy events.

In conclusion, it is clear to see why Gas Discharge Tube Arresters are so widely used in today’s world. They provide a high level of protection against transient voltages, both from static electricity and from lightning. Their working principle is unique, and thanks to their self-resurrection nature they provide a longer lasting protection in comparison with other surge protection forms. All in all, GDTs are an invaluable tool in protecting our electronic circuits.

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