Atlantic Scientific Corp.

Atlantic Sientific Corporation

Anthony O Bird

A transient voltage surge suppressor comprises a first series circuit formed of a normally-off voltage surge-responsive gas discharge tube and a first voltage clamping device connected across input terminals to which a line voltage is applied. It also includes a second series circuit formed of a first electrical energy absorbing impedance element and a second voltage clamping device connected across the first voltage clamping element, thereby forming a voltage-clamping, voltage divider circuit which clamps the voltage across the first voltage clamping element at a voltage level reduced in comparison with that obtained by the first series circuit alone. When the gas discharge tube turns on, it places both voltage clamping devices in the circuit simultaneously, so that the let-through voltage appearing across output terminals can be reduced to the voltage clamped by the voltage-clamping, voltage divider circuit. An overcurrent protection device is coupled in circuit with the surge suppressor circuit to prevent damage to the surge suppressor that may be caused by excessive thermal energy buildup or by a large magnitude current spike capable of destroying one or more components of the suppressor and thereby preventing the suppressor from performing its intended function. The overcurrent protection device comprises a pair of series-connected switches, physically configured as alterable conductor portions, so that severing either of the conductor portions will effectively decouple the line terminals from the surge suppressor circuit.

Transient voltage surge suppressor with I.sup.2 R/I.sub.2 T overcurrent

Transient voltage surge suppressor with I.sup.2 R/I.sup.2 T overcurrent

A surge suppressor for a high frequency transmission line contains a microstrip architecture comprising a dielectric sheet on a first side of which a signal conductor stripe layer is formed and on a second side of which a ground plane conductor layer is formed. The strip layer is disposed along a generally central linear region of the first surface, so as to facilitate direct connection to the center conductor of a pair of end connectors, such as type F coaxial connectors. The ground plane conductor layer is attached to the shield layer of the coaxial connectors. A gas discharge tube is coupled between a first location of the stripe layer and the ground plane layer. The discharge device may be mounted on the first side of the microstrip structure and is connected to the ground plane layer on the opposite surface by way of a plated through hole. The ground plane layer has an aperture of a prescribed area in mutual alignment with the stripe layer so as to effectively remove the distributed capacitance between the stripe layer and the ground plane along a defined length of the stripe. This decrease in the distributed microstrip capacitance coupled with the fact that the removal of ground plane metal leaves the overlying section of the center conductor as a length of inductance compensate for the alteration of the characteristic impedance by the connection of the discharge device between the stripe conductor layer and the ground plane layer.

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Melbourne, FL, United States of America

Anthony O Bird