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INTERNATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATION UNION

CCITT	K.28

THE INTERNATIONAL

TELEGRAPH AND TELEPHONE

CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE

PROTECTION AGAINST INTERFERENCE

CHARACTERISTICS OF SEMI-CONDUCTOR

ARRESTER ASSEMBLIES FOR THE

PROTECTION OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS

INSTALLATIONS

Recommendation K.28

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Geneva, 1991

Printed in Switzerland

FOREWORD

The CCITT (the International Telegraph and Telephone Consultative Committee) is a permanent organ of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). CCITT is responsible for studying technical, operating and tariff questions and issuing Recommendations on them with a view to standardizing telecommunications on a worldwide basis.

The Plenary Assembly of CCITT which meets every four years, establishes the topics for study and approves Recommendations prepared by its Study Groups. The approval of Recommendations by the members of CCITT between Plenary Assemblies is covered by the procedure laid down in CCITT Resolution No. 2 (Melbourne, 1988).

Recommendation K.28 was prepared by Study Group V and was approved under the Resolution No. 2 procedure on the 18 of March 1991.

___________________

CCITT NOTE

In this Recommendation, the expression "Administration" is used for conciseness to indicate both a telecommunication Administration and a recognized private operating agency.

ã ITU 1991

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from the ITU.

PAGE BLANCHE

Recommendation K.28

Recommendation K.28

CHARACTERISTICS OF SEMI-CONDUCTOR ARRESTER ASSEMBLIES

FOR THE PROTECTION OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS INSTALLATIONS

Foreword

Careful survey of the electrical environment that telephone equipment must safely survive, has led to the conclusion that semi-conductor devices that are robust enough to act as primary protectors are now possible. Semi-conductor devices provide for tightly toleranced and stable over-voltage control, which does not change with age or activity within their design capability. Furthermore, they introduce negligible circuit noise on the circuits they are protecting.

Widespread trials of these semi-conductor overvoltage protectors for primary protection are taking place and this Recommendation provides

detailed guidance on the particular qualities which should be sought when manufacturing or purchasing such devices. The trials and initial applications are ongoing and some details of the technology may change in the light of the results. Nevertheless, to bring the trials and initial applications to the notice of a wider audience and to acquaint potential users with both the advantages and disadvantages of these devices, CCITT considers the subject to be important and stable enough to publish a Recommendation on the new technology.

0	Introduction

The purpose of this Recommendation is to provide technical guidelines for purchasers and manufacturers of semi-conductor arrester assemblies (SAA) to ensure their satisfactory operation in the applications for which they are intended. Figure I-1/K.28 shows examples of such arresters.

It is intended to be used for the harmonization of specifications issued by manufacturers of semi-conductor arrester assemblies (SAA) and network operators.

Only minimum requirements are specified for essential characteristics. As some users may be exposed to different environments or have different operating conditions, service objectives or economic constraints, the requirements of this Recommendation may be modified or further requirements added to suit local conditions. It is for Administrations to classify the environment for a particular device, taking into account business policy, and economic and technical considerations.

The requirements detailed for arresters in this Recommendation may entail statistical analysis of samples. Standard statistical analysis techniques can be applied and therefore no description of this analysis approach is given.

1	Scope

This Recommendation applies to semi-conductor arrester assemblies to be used for primary protection against voltage surges due to lightning or

power disturbances on telecommunications circuits, in accordance with Recommendation K.11. It deals with semi-conductor arrester assemblies of the type that limit voltages from line to earth to a few volts when conducting sufficient current to switch the device.

It does not deal with:

ù	mountings for SAAs and their effect on arrester characteristics;

ù	semi-conductor arresters which are connected in series with voltage-dependent resistors to limit follow-on currents in electrical power systems;

ù	mechanical dimensions;

ù	quality assurance requirements;

ù	units containing heat-coils.

2	Definitions

These are given in Annex A.

3	Environmental requirements

The semi-conductor arrester assemblies should operate satisfactorily in, and be capable of storage in, temperature and humidity ranges selected for the intended application. The selected temperature range should be between the extreme values of ù40 C and +65 C. The selected humidity range should be between the extreme values of 0 and 95% RH.

4	Electrical requirements

4.1	Maximum voltage limiting

When tested according to S 5.1, the SAA voltage limiting should not be outside the limits given in Table 1/K.28.

include 28-t01-eTABLE 1/K.28

Voltage limiting ù maximum limits

Maximum voltage limiting at stated rate of rise

(100 V/s to 100 kV/s)

100 V/ms

1 kV/ms

400 V

400 V

400 V

Note ù The maximum voltage limiting may be set by either equipment protection requirements (e.g. Recommendation K.21 or Recommendation K.20), or by technology capability. Valeurs shown are typical.

4.2	Minimum voltage limiting

The current in an SAA when tested according to S 5.2 should not exceed the values given in Table 2/K.28 for the voltage limits shown.

include 28-t02-eTABLE 2/K.28

Minimum voltage limiting ù requirements

Ramp maximum peak voltage (V)

R1 nominal value

(kW)

Maximum measured current (mA)

265

1,0

20

Note ù The minimum voltage limit is set by the summation of the peak ringing, battery, and 50/60 Hz long-term induction voltages. The current is set by ensuring non-operation of a ring-trip mechanism or by not unduly loading the ringer. Values shown are typical, and it should be noted that this Recommendation may be modified to suit local conditions.

4.3	Insulation resistance

4.3.1	This test measures the effect of two parameters simultaneously, semi-conductor junction leakage and insulation resistance.

4.3.2	When tested according to S 5.3, the values of combined leakage and insulation resistance should not be outside the values given in Table 3/K.28.

include 28-t03-eTABLE 3/K.28

Minimum isulation resistance

DC text voltage

(V)

Minimum R1

(W)

050

108

100

150 106

200

165 103

Note 1 ù Voltages of both polarities should be applied.

Note 2 ù Limit the source current to 10 mA maximum at 200 V.d.c., and proportionally at other test voltages.

Note 3 ù The 200 V limit takes into account voltage levels that may be impressed on to some lines for specific operational purposes.

4.4	Capacitance

The capacitance between each pair of electrodes (excluding protector assembly capacitance) should not exceed 200 picofarads (pF) when tested according to S 5.4 at a frequency of 1 MHz.

4.5	Impulse reset

The SAA should revert to its high impedance state in less than 30 ms when tested to S 5.5 using appropriate rows(s) from Table 4/K.28 of this Recommendation for the parameters that apply to Figure 1/K.28. Select the appropriate row depending on the expected SAA application.

include 28-t04-eTABLE 4/K.28

Impulse reset circuit parameters

(see Figure 1/K.28)

PS1

(V)

R3

(W)

R2

(W)

C1

(mF)

152

200

Note 5

Note 5

135

690

150

0.1

180

330

150

0.1

Note 1 ù Test using a large generator having an open circuit peak voltage of 1 kV minimum, and capable of delivering a short circuit current surge of 25 A (see S 5.5) with a 10/1000 ms waveform or a 10/700 ms waveform.

Note 2 ù Perform all required tests with both polarities, line to earth.

Note 3 ù When an SAA is intended for use on both tip and ring, the surge described in Note 1 may be applied to both tip and ring simultaneously. Appropriate impulse reset circuit parameters should be used.

Note 4 ù In no case should di/dt exceed 30 A/ms.

Note 5 ù Components omitted in this test.

Figure 1/K.28 = 11 cm

4.6	Rate of change of current

The SAA, when tested to S 5.6, should not fail short circuit and should meet the maximum voltage limiting requirement of S 4.1 following application of the surge.

4.7	Surge life tests

4.7.1	SAAs should be measured for their performance in the categories of impulse life and 50/60 Hz current carrying capacity, according to S 5.7. The types of protectors in which the SAAs are mounted for testing should be identified and the life tests should apply only when the SAAs are used in those, or similar, protectors. Table 5/K.28 of this Recommendation indicates the requirements. The 10 A impulse tests may be curtailed or waived if it can be demonstrated satisfactorily that no wear-out mechanisms are present in the design.

4.7.2	The surge life requirements of Table 5/K.28 may not be sufficient for protectors intended for applications where they are directly connected to open wire lines, or in other high-exposure areas.

include 28-t05-eTABLE 5/K.28

Surge life criteria for SAAs

Test

Current

(Note 1)

Total number of applications at specified current

Impulse current

(Note 2)

10 A peak

1500(10/1000) or

2500(10/700)

10 A peak

100(10/1000) or

160(10/700)

a.c. 48-62 Hz

for 1 s

1 A rms

10 A rms

60

65

a.c. 48-62 Hz

for 30 s

0,5 A rms

61

Note 1 ù Currents are given for one paair of terminals (e.g. tip to ground or ring to ground).

Note 2 ù di/dt must not exceed 30 A/ms.

4.7.3	Devices that can be shown to have a surge life that is temperature sensitive should be tested to S 5.7 at the maximum and minimum operating temperatures for the intended application.

5	Test methods

5.1	Maximum voltage limiting (see S 4.1)

5.1.1	The test current should be chosen from the range 10 A to 100 A. The maximum rate of change of current applied to the SAA throughout the test shall not exceed 30 A/ms. The device shall be tested with both positive and negative waveforms.

5.1.2	With rate of rise as specified in Table 1/K.28, apply sufficient impulse voltage to cause breakdown. Repeat the test with opposite polarity and using the same device. Allow a one or two second waiting time between applications.

5.1.3	For impulse testing, the voltage generator used for this test must be capable of maintaining the open circuit voltage rate of rise of Table 1/K.28 (rate of rise defined in IEC 60).

5.2	Minimum voltage limiting (see S 4.2 and Figure 2/K.28)

The generator shown in Figure 2/K.28 should provide a ramp of 100 V/s to 100 V/ms to the terminals under test. The circuit current can be determined by monitoring the voltage drop across a 1 kW resistor. The generator voltage should be no more than the value shown in Table 2/K.28.

Figure 2/K.28 = 7,5 cm

5.3	Insulation resistance (see S 4.3)

Combined insulation resistance and leakage (known jointly as RI) should be measured between each terminal and every other terminal of the SAA by applying a specified direct current voltage source of both polarities with values as shown in Table 3/K.28 of this Recommendation. Insulation resistance readings should be taken after insulation stabilization or after one minute of applied voltage, whichever occurs first. Terminals not involved in the measurement should be left floating.

5.4	Capacitance (see S 4.4)

The capacitance of the SAA shall be measured between each terminal and every other terminal. All terminals not involved in the test shall be connected to an earth plane in the measuring instrument. The measurement voltage should be small enough to not interfere with the measurement and should in any case not exceed 1 V rms.

5.5	Impulse reset (see S 4.5)

The maximum impulse current should be 25 A, with a 10/1000 or 10/700 waveform measured through a short circuit. The maximum rate of change of current applied to the SAA throughout the test should not exceed 30 A/ms. The impulse current should be applied to the SAA in the same polarity as the d.c. source. Three impulses should be applied at not greater than one minute intervals. The tests should be repeated with the specimen connections reversed. The 30 ms requirement applies to the time between application of the impulse and device reset. If required, the impulse generator may be disconnected from the SAA 10 ms after the application of the surge.

5.6	Rate of change of current (see S 4.6 and Figure 3/K.28)

A surge with a rate of change of current of 25 A/ms to 30 A/ms and having a maximum current of 100 A and open circuit voltage of 1 kV, should be applied to the SAA (see Figure 3/K.28). This should be repeated with surges of the opposite polarity.

Figure 3/K.28 = 11,5 cm

5.7	Surge life tests (see S 4.7 and Figure 4/K.28)

5.7.1	SAAs should be tested for impulse and 50/60 Hz life. When subjected to the various impulse and 50/60 Hz test currents shown in Table 5/K.28, at 20 C + 2 C, a sample should have a surge life in accordance with the number of operations specified in that table. Half the specified number of tests should be carried out with one polarity followed by half with the other polarity. Alternatively, half the number in a sample quantity may be tested with one polarity and the other half with the opposite polarity. Tests for failure by insulation resistance, maximum and minimum voltage limiting should be conducted after each application of the test currents. Impulse reset should be measured after the number of operations specified as surge life criteria in Table 5/K.28 of this Recommendation for those SAAs surviving to that point.

5.7.2	The open circuit voltage for the impulse life tests should measure at least 1000 V peak. The current amplitudes should be measured with the SAA replaced by a short circuit having minimum inductance.

5.7.3	The test circuit for the 10 A rms alternating current test should consist of a 50/60 Hz supply feeding a parallel pair of non-inductive series limiting resistors, one for each line terminal. The supply-resistor combination should deliver 1000 V rms under open circuit conditions and 10 A rms to each line terminal under short circuit conditions.

5.7.4	The 1 A alternating current tests should be conducted using the circuits shown in Figures 4a)/K.28 and 4b)/K.28.

Figure 4/K.28 = 15,5 cm

5.7.5	A device should be considered to have reached end-of-surge life if any of the following conditions apply:

1)	the minimum voltage limit test results fall outside the limits in Table 2/K.28;

2)	the maximum voltage limit test results fall outside the limits in Table 1/K.28;

3)	the SAA fails to extinguish in less than 30 ms at the component combinations listed for SAAs in Table 4/K.28;

4)	the life test insulation resistance (RI) is less than or equal to 50 MW at 100 V d.c.

6	Mechanical requirements

6.1	Mechanical durability

The SAA should be sufficiently mechanically durable to withstand normal installation and maintenance procedures, as well as shipping, storage, and environmental stress.

7	High temperature conditioning

Samples should be subjected to the high temperature test specified here, and should display no warping, fading, or degradation of any material

within 12 hours of return to ambient temperature. They should be conditioned for seven days in a circulating air oven, maintained at the maximum temperature of intended application with no humidity control. After the seventh day, the samples should be removed from the oven and allowed to return to ambient temperature.

8	General test requirements

This section describes the performance criteria against which an SAA is analysed.

1)	Certain tests require previous testing of samples for stress and environment. Also, subsequent tests may be necessary to determine whether the samples are still operational. If possible, the former tests should be completed, and these samples should proceed to the test programme with the untested samples.

2)	Surge testing can cause semi-conductor devices to heat. Accordingly, allow sufficient cooling time between surges, as recommended by the manufacturer.

3)	In all testing, the rate of change of discharge current must not exceed 30 A/ms at any time nor must the specified peak current be exceeded. Monitoring equipment to record these parameters is recommended.

9	Product identification

9.1	Operating voltage identification

Each SAA should be marked in a clear, permanent, and distinctive manner to indicate the nominal operating voltage.

9.2	Manufacturer's identification

On each SAA, the manufacturer's name, part number, and date code should be indelibly marked.

9.3	Customer's identification

If requested and agreed, the customer's identification should be indelibly marked, on each SAA.

10	Documentation

10.1	Complete instructions on installation and use should be included within every package of SAAs (or should be available on request).

10.2	Instructions and documentation should indicate whether the enclosed devices should be installed only in subscriber premises, or switching centres, or both.

10.3	Documentation should be provided so that the purchaser can determine the full characteristics as set out in this Recommendation.

11	Ordering information

The following information should be provided by the purchaser:

a)	a drawing giving all dimensions, finishes and termination details of protector package into which the SAA will be fitted;

b)	nominal limiting voltage;

c)	the required markings;

d)	quality assurance requirements.

ANNEX A

(to Recommendation K.28)

Definitions of terms special to this Recommendation

A.1	semi-conductor arrester (SA)

A semi-conductor device that is intended to go low impedance when the voltage across two terminals exceeds a defined value, and go high impedance when that voltage is removed.

A.2	SA assembly (SAA)

One or more SAs assembled into a housing in such a way as to form a readily identifiable, purchasable and testable unit. The function of an SAA is to divert overvoltages to earth, when installed in a protector. Examples of SAA are shown in Figure I-1/K.28.

APPENDIX I

(to Recommendation K.28)

Figure I-1/K.28 = 16 cm