Circuit model of a gas discharge tube

[Andrew Davies]

Hi

I am looking to model a lightning protection gas discharge tube as a circuit
for simulation purposes.

Any help would be most appreciated.

Regards
Andrew

[Spehro Pefhany]

The renowned Andrew Davies <andrew...@ananzi.co.za> wrote:

> I am looking to model a lightning protection gas discharge tube as a circuit
> for simulation purposes.

Check out:

K. Borgeest, J.L. ter Haseborg
"A surge arrester SPICE Model considering the voltage/time
characteristic, EMC'94 Roma, International Symposium
on Electromagnetic Compatibility, Rome, Sept. 13-16, 1994".

Best regards,
--
Spehro Pefhany --"it's the network..." "The Journey is the reward"
sp...@interlog.com Info for manufacturers: http://www.trexon.com
Embedded software/hardware/analog Info for designers: http://www.speff.com
9-11 United we Stand

[Harry Karmazyn]

Hi,

There is a quick and dirty way to do what you want, assuming you are
conducting a transient analysis. Run your simulation circuit with the no
tube in it. Monitor the voltage across it and determine the time at which
the tube will strike, from the voltage present across where it would be, the
rate of rise of the voltage, and the tube's characteristics. Then add a
closing switch in series with a zener diode (DbreakZ). In the on state a GDT
will exhibit a volt drop of around 10 to 20 volts. Set this using the zener.
A GDT will also have a series resistance of something like 6 mohms. Use
resistance to simulate this. Exact values will depend on the type of tube.
Using this method, you can get your simulation running in minutes. It is
sufficiently accurate for many purposes.

Regards

Harry

"Spehro Pefhany" <sp...@interlog.com> wrote in message
news:A4Eo8.385$cO1...@news01.bloor.is.net.cable.rogers.com...

[John]

> Many wire welders use a high frequency HV "start arc", then drop to
>their very low voltage for the actual welding work

(Didja mean "tig welders" DM?)

John