Q1：What systems can this antenna feeder be used in?
A: Applicable to all types of RF systems with an operating frequency band of 0.8-2.6GHz, including but not limited to:

• BeiDou/GPS and other satellite positioning base stations

• 4G/5G Mobile Communication Base Stations

• Satellite communications, microwave links

• Radar, wireless video transmission system

Q2: Does the product support DC power (DC Pass)?
A: Support. The standard model provides a 5V/4A DC feed path to remotely power an active antenna or tower amplifier. Also available in 24V, 36V, and 60V versions.

Q3: Do the insertion loss and VSWR of a lightning protector affect system performance?
A: The product insertion loss ≤ 0.15dB, VSWR ≤ 1.1, in the vast majority of systems introduced by the impact of negligible, to ensure high quality signal transmission.

Q4: How to install and ground?
A: It is recommended to install it at the antenna port close to the equipment, install it in series, and make sure that the enclosure is reliably grounded through a ≥4mm² wire (grounding resistance ≤4Ω is recommended). Please refer to the product manual or consult our sales or technical engineers for specific installation methods.

Q5: What does protection class IP67 mean?
A: IP67 indicates that the product is completely dustproof (first digit “6”) and can be briefly immersed in water (second digit “7”), suitable for long-term outdoor use.

Q6：Is there any certification for the product?
A: It has passed CE, RoHS, FCC and other certificates, and complies with IEC 61643-21, GB/T 18802.21 and other international and domestic lightning protection standards.

Q7: Are different connector interface models available?
A: Provide a variety of combinations between N-type male (M), female (F): F/F, F/M, M/F, can be selected according to the actual link connection requirements. Customized production of other interfaces (e.g. DIN7/16, TNC, SMA) is also available.

Q8: Will the protector continue to work if lightning strikes?
A: Products are designed toSelf-recovering after lightning strikeIf the maximum through-current capacity is exceeded, the internal protection circuit may be damaged and need to be replaced. If the maximum through-current capacity is exceeded, the internal protection circuit may be damaged and need to be replaced.

Q9: How can I tell if the protector has failed?
A: A preliminary judgment can be made in the following ways:

1. Use a multimeter to measure the DC resistance of the inner conductors at both ends of the connector (abnormal open or short circuit);

2. Test the VSWR with a vector network analyzer (if significantly worse it may be damaged).
   Regular testing is recommended, especially after the thunderstorm season.

Q10: Is it possible to customize the product for other frequency bands or power?
A: Yes. We support customization for different frequency bands (e.g. 689∼2700MHz, 800∼2500MHz, 1200∼2700MHz, etc.), higher power (e.g. 500W), please contact our sales team for customized solutions.

How to choose the right antenna lightning protector for a base station: a professional guide for engineers

In a base station system, the antenna feeder is the key channel connecting the antenna to the transceiver equipment, and it is also one of the paths most likely to introduce lightning surges. A single lightning strike can cause damage to equipment worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, resulting in long network interruptions. Therefore, choosing an appropriate antenna lightning protector (also known as surge protector) is crucial. This article will provide an in-depth analysis of the key technical parameters for selecting an antenna surge protector to help engineers make informed decisions.

I. Importance of antenna feeder in base station

Antenna feeder is not a simple “fuse”, but the base station lightning protection system of theFirst line of active defense. Its core roles include:

1. Protecting expensive equipment: Prevent lightning surges from damaging core equipment such as RRUs and BTS RF units through feeder lines

2. Maintaining network continuity: Reduce downtime of base stations due to lightning strikes to safeguard communication services

3. Reduced maintenance costs: Avoid frequent equipment replacement and on-site maintenance

4. Compliance with safety norms: Meet national lightning protection standards (e.g. GB 50689-2011) and operator acceptance requirements

Second, the choice of antenna feeder lightning arrester 9 key parameters

1. Frequency range: matching the operating frequency band of the base station

• crux: The operating frequency band of the lightning protector must completely cover the operating frequency of the base station antenna.

• Common Base Station Frequency Bands::

  • 4G LTE: 700MHz-2700MHz

  • 5G NR: 3300MHz-5000MHz (Sub-6GHz)

  • GPS/BeiDou: 1176MHz-1602MHz

• suggestion: Select a lightning protector with a bandwidth slightly wider than the actual requirement, e.g. 0.8-2.7 GHz.

2. Impedance matching: ensuring signal integrity

• standard value: The vast majority of base station systems utilize50Ωcharacteristic impedance

• Consequences of mismatch::

  • Increased signal reflections leading to deterioration of VSWR

  • Reduced transmission efficiency and coverage

• Indicator requirements: The impedance of the lightning protector shall be 50Ω±5%.

3. Power capacity: matching base station transmit power

The transmit power of communication base stations ranges from 4-10W for conventional macro stations to thousands of W for 5G millimeter wave, depending on the type of base station, frequency band and technical architecture.

• formula::

  BTS transmit power + tower gain ≤ maximum RF power of the lightning protector

• Typical Base Station Power Rating::

  • Micro base station: 5-20W

  • Macro base station: 40-80 W (single carrier)

  • High power base station: 80-300W

• safety margin: It is recommended to select a power capacity of 1.5-2 times the actual power.

4. Lightning protection level: adapted to the intensity of thunderstorms in the area

• Surge current index::

  • 8/20μs waveform: simulates induced lightning current waveforms

  • 10/350μs waveform: simulates direct lightning current waveforms

• Selection basis::

  Area thunderstorm day rating	Recommended Inrush Current Capacity
  Less mined areas (≤20 days)	10-15kA (8/20μs)
  Medium minefield (20-40 days)	15-25kA (8/20μs)
  Multi-mined areas (≥40 days)	25-40kA (8/20μs) with consideration of direct lightning protection
  Strongly mined areas (high mountains, coasts)	40kA or more and consider direct lightning protection

5. Electrical properties: insertion loss and VSWR

• insertion loss: Should be ≤0.2dB, high quality products up to ≤0.1dB

• Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR): Should be ≤1.2, high quality products can be ≤1.1

• test and verify: Require vendors to provide full-band S-parameter test reports

6. Interface type: physical connection compatibility

• Common Base Station Interfaces::

  • Type N (most commonly used, high power capacity)

  • Type 7/16 (high-power base station)

  • SMA type (low power equipment)

• connectivity kit::

  • Male-Female (M-F)

  • Male-Female (M-F)

  • Female-Female (F-F)

  • Male-male (M-M)

• Protection requirements: Outdoor interface needs to be IP67 waterproof rating

7. DC feed function: support for active equipment

• application scenario: Remote powering of active antennas, Tower Top Amplifiers (TMAs)

• Voltage and current requirements::

  • Voltage: 5V, 12V, 24V, 48V, etc.

  • Current: 2A, 4A, 6A, etc.

• Isolated design: Ensure isolation of the RF path from the DC supply

8. Protection class and environmental suitability

• protection class: IP67 (submersible) is a basic requirement for outdoor installations

• operating temperature: -40°C to +85°C (covering most global climate extremes)

• Materials and Processes: Aluminum alloy shell, anodized, salt spray corrosion resistant

9. Certification and standards compliance

• accreditation: CE, RoHS

• Lightning protection standards: IEC 61643-21, GB/T 18802.21

III. Installation and maintenance points

Mounting position selection

• Optimal location: at the entrance of the antenna feeder into the server room (when only one lightning protector is installed at each end of the antenna and receiver)
• Sub-optimal location: equipment outputs at the top of the tower (when only one lightning protector is installed at both the antenna and receiver ends)
• Avoid location: long-term stagnant water place, direct sunlight place

Grounding requirements

• Ground wire cross-sectional area ≥ 4mm² (copper core wire)

• Ground resistance ≤4Ω (mountainous base station ≤10Ω)

• Keep the ground wire as short as possible and avoid bending it

waterproofing

• Seal both connector ports with waterproof tape or heat shrink tubing.

• Make sure the waterproof rubber ring is intact

• Drench test after installation

periodic testing

• Recommended periodicity::

  • Before the thunderstorm season: comprehensive testing

  • Immediately after a lightning strike: testing

  • Routine maintenance: tested every 6 months

• Testing Program::

  • Visual inspection (damage, corrosion)

  • Ground resistance measurement

  • VSWR Test

IV. Common Misconceptions and Answers

Myth 1: “Insertion loss is negligible”

reality: Losses accumulate when multiple lightning protectors are connected in series. In large MIMO systems, even 0.2 dB of loss may affect the coverage edge rate.

Myth #2: “Once installed, it's done.”

reality: Lightning protectors are consumables and their performance will gradually deteriorate after many lightning strikes, requiring regular testing and replacement.

Myth 3: “Price determines quality”

reality: Some low-priced products may be falsely labeled on key parameters (although third-party test reports are claimed). Suppliers should be required to provide actual test data reports.

V. Conclusion

Choosing the right antenna lightning protector requires comprehensive considerationTechnical parameters, environmental factors, cost-effectivenessThree dimensions. In today's rapid deployment of 5G networks, the value of base station equipment is increasing, network availability requirements are becoming increasingly stringent, investment in high-quality lightning protection is no longer an “optional item”, but isNecessary risk control measuresThe

It is recommended that base station design engineers incorporate a lightning protection program at the planning stage, select proven quality products, and establish a regular testing system. A correct choice may avoid hundreds of thousands of dollars in future losses and immeasurable network disruption impact.

Extended Reading::

• [Design Code for Lightning Protection and Grounding Engineering for Communication Base Stations GB 50689-2011]

• [Lightning Protection Part 21: Surge Protectors for Telecommunications and Signaling Networks GB/T18802.21, IEC 61643-21]

For professional lightning protection solutions consulting, welcome to contact OMREDON technical team!::

• Tel：0755-82591856

• E-mail: info@omrdon.com

• Official website:www.omrdon.com