Effective Surge Protection for 5G Network Infrastructure Equipment

This application note provides a detailed guide on the necessity of surge protection for 5G network infrastructure equipment. It outlines the vulnerabilities of 5G network towers to transient overvoltage events caused by lightning strikes and electrical disturbances. The document emphasizes the importance of implementing Surge Protective Devices (SPDs) to safeguard sensitive electronic components, which include transceivers and power supplies, from potential damage. It describes the process of selecting the appropriate SPD by assessing surge risks, determining protection levels, and ensuring compliance with industry standards such as UL 1449 and IEC 61643. The note also details the characteristics to consider when choosing an SPD, including voltage rating, current capacity, and response time. Additionally, it presents a scenario for deploying a 5G network tower in a high-risk area, recommending specific Bourns® SPD models for both AC and DC protection. This comprehensive approach aims to maintain network reliability and minimize service disruptions.