[sci.electronics] Surge protection for Cheapernet

wilner@motcid.UUCP (Corey S. Wilner) (02/22/91)

I have an interesting design problem.  I need to protect a Cheapernet
LAN tap from voltage surges.  I have to pass a specification that
states either 800 or -800 volts can be applied to my BNC center conductor
with respect to the outer ground conductor.

Some of you may just jump up and say "use a transorb" or "use a zener".
However, here is where the problem lies.  The capacitance seen
at the coax tap must be less than 8pf.  Yes, thats 8pf.  How can
I protect against surges while still meeting my capacitive load
limitations.  Please post circuit ideas with any comments you may
have.

********************************************************
Corey S. Wilner    |                            |   __o
Motorola Cellular  | ..!uunet!motcid!wilner     |  -\<,
708-632-7206       | motcid!wilner@uunet.UU.NET |  O/ O
********************************************************

cjp@megatek.UUCP (Christopher J. Pikus) (02/25/91)

From article <4480@mint17.UUCP>, by wilner@motcid.UUCP (Corey S. Wilner):
> I have an interesting design problem.  I need to protect a Cheapernet
> LAN tap from voltage surges.  I have to pass a specification that
> states either 800 or -800 volts can be applied to my BNC center conductor
> with respect to the outer ground conductor.
>
> ********************************************************
> Corey S. Wilner    |                            |   __o
> Motorola Cellular  | ..!uunet!motcid!wilner     |  -\<,
> 708-632-7206       | motcid!wilner@uunet.UU.NET |  O/ O
> ********************************************************

	Corey, From several of the ethernet cards that I have seen, many
designers solve this with a NEON BULB connected accross the BNC. It should
present almost no capacitance and have high breakdown voltage. A dropping
resistor is optional (although I never saw one used).
 
-- 
Wax your board, waste your brain, and pray for waves...
Christopher J. Pikus,               Megatek Corp.
INTERNET:     cjp@megatek.uucp      San Diego, CA
UUCP:         uunet!megatek!cjp or ucsd!megatek!cjp