LC20

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LC20 refers to a high energy-density gas discharge tube, which is an efficient open-arc type gas discharge element (GDE) suitable for medium and low voltage protection. The device is a “catalogue” product with off-the-shelf availability. It can be used in many applications such as transient overvoltage protection, surge current damping, noise voltage protection, surge active absorption, anti-EMI shunting, and current limiting applications.

The working principle of LC20 is based on the electrical field breakdown effect, that is, when the electric field strength experienced by the charged particle inside the gas discharge tube exceeds a certain critical value, the charged particles gain sufficient energy to overcome the inter-molecular covalent bond strength, and thus cause a “breakdown” of the gas medium. A high-energy electrical arc (or streamer) is then formed, which serves to bridge the charged distance between the two electrodes. At this time, the gas within the discharge tube is ionized, and the charged particles can travel freely between the two electrodes, causing a low resistance conductive bridge between them. This leads to a rapid discharge of the stored energy in the capacitor, and thus an instantaneous current surge, thus forming a “constant current” to protect the power supply device from any potential transient spikes.

The structure of LC20 is also simple. It consists of an insulating body containing two terminal pins which serve as the electrodes. The working medium is a mixture of noble gases and other substances. When an overvoltage occurs, the gas within the device is ionized, and the charged particles move from the negative pin to the positive pin, causing an instantaneous spark discharge and a current surge, resulting in a low impedance path which limits and dissipates the current spike.

LC20s are also widely used in high voltage transient protection, clamping of transient voltage spikes, lightning protection, and surge current absorption. When an overvoltage occurs, the LC20 will quickly clamps the voltage, absorbs the current spike, and then restores the voltage to the normal level. In the case of a lightning strike, the LC20 can act as a short circuit between the earth terminal and the power line, cutting off the flow of power to the uncontrolled arc and providing a path around it.

LC20s also find applications in fields such as EMC (electromagnetic compatibility), where its ability to provide a low impedance path is useful in suppressing high voltage transients which are caused by signal line radiation or external electromagnetic disturbances. The device can also be used as an intermediate conductor in large scale power systems or for fault detection.

In summary, LC20s are versatile devices which are suitable for a wide range of applications. Its ability to provide low impedance paths against transient voltage spikes in combination with its simple structure and relatively low cost make them an attractive solution for many high voltage protection needs.

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