The part number **2017-09-A-RPLF** refers to a specific type of **Gas Discharge Tube (GDT)** manufactured by **Bourns Inc.** This component belongs to the 2017 series of miniature, high-performance surge arrestors. --- ## 1. Technical Specifications The breakdown of the part number provides specific insights into its electrical characteristics: | Parameter | Specification | | :--- | :--- | | **Series** | 2017 Series (High Voltage GDT) | | **DC Sparkover Voltage** | 90V (indicated by "-09") | | **Tolerance** | ±20% | | **Impulse Sparkover Voltage** | < 500V at 100V/μs | | **Insulation Resistance** | > 1 GΩ | | **Capacitance** | < 1 pF | | **Compliance** | RoHS Compliant, Lead-Free (indicated by "LF") | --- ## 2. Key Features and Design This component is designed for environments where space is limited but high protection against voltage transients is required. * **Miniature Size:** It typically comes in a very small surface-mount package (SMD), making it ideal for dense PCB layouts. * **Low Capacitance:** Because its capacitance is less than 1 pF, it does not distort high-speed signals, making it suitable for data lines. * **High Surge Current Rating:** Despite its size, it can handle significant surge currents (typically up to 1kA or 2kA depending on the specific wave shape). * **Flat GDT Technology:** Bourns uses a specialized "flat" technology in this series to reduce the height profile of the component. --- ## 3. Common Applications The 2017-09-A-RPLF is primarily used for **overvoltage protection** in sensitive electronic equipment: 1. **Telecommunications:** Protection for ADSL, VDSL, and Ethernet ports. 2. **Industrial Controls:** Protecting RS-485 or CAN bus interfaces from lightning strikes or power surges. 3. **Consumer Electronics:** Power supply protection and modem protection. 4. **Medical Equipment:** Protecting sensitive diagnostic sensors from static discharge or line transients. --- ## 4. Typical Circuit Integration GDTs are usually placed in parallel with the load. When a high-voltage spike occurs, the gas inside the tube ionizes, creating a low-resistance path to ground, effectively "shunting" the excess energy away from the sensitive circuitry. ```markdown [Input Line] ----+---- [Protected Circuit] | [2017-09-A-RPLF] | [Ground] ```