With increasing awareness of lightning protection, the domestic lightning protection industry is booming. Domestically produced surge protectors (SPDs) have forged a path of technological innovation through practical exploration and learning from foreign technologies. However, unlike standardized 35mm DIN rail-mounted surge protectors for low-voltage power distribution systems, the development of surge protectors for information systems has always been constrained by the characteristics of information systems. They vary widely in appearance, interface methods, and application standards, resulting in a diverse range of styles. This is due to the inherent complexity of information systems. Currently, SPDs for information systems, including security systems, generally need to meet the following characteristics:
1. Multiple protection voltage levels - from approximately 5V up to 200V, and even higher special requirements.
2. Numerous interfaces - RJ11/45, D-type 9-pin, 15-pin, 25-pin, terminal blocks, BNC, TNC, N, DIN, coaxial and dozens of other commonly used connection methods.
3. Multiple line standards - RS485/422, RS232, V.11, V.24, V.35... PSTN, DDN, ADSL, ISDN, ... 10 BASE T, 10 BASE 2, 10 BASE 5, 10/100 BASE T, TOKEN RING... and dozens of others.
4. Data transfer rates vary greatly, ranging from a few Kbit/s to hundreds of Mbit/s, or even several gigabits or higher.
5. Signal transmission requirements vary greatly, including balanced, unbalanced, shielded, unshielded, CAT3, CAT5, etc.
6. Differences in installation requirements: platform placement, rail mounting, 19-inch standard rack mounting, wall mounting...
7. System requirements vary greatly: fire protection systems, access control and intercom systems, surveillance systems, burglar alarms, all-in-one card systems, automatic meter reading, satellite and cable TV, audio amplification...
Based on the above characteristics, surge protectors for information systems produced by both domestic and foreign manufacturers have caused some problems.
1. Numerous specifications available.
2. Diverse shapes
3. Multiple installation methods
4. Poor substitutability
5. Lightning protection schemes are difficult to design, and the system integration design is poor.
6. Difficult to maintain
7. Lacks upgrade features and has poor resource reusability.
Designers are at a loss when faced with different or non-standard installation methods; users find it extremely difficult to locate the most suitable product, and maintenance and replacement are almost equivalent to re-installation. These problems have seriously hampered the development of the information system surge protector industry.
Since developing the world's first 19-inch standard rack-mount 10/100M adaptive network surge protector RJ45-24E in 2002, Guangzhou Leixun has been committed to solving the aforementioned problems hindering the development of surge protectors for information systems. Guangzhou Leixun's R&D team has integrated the development of surge protectors for low-voltage power distribution systems and delved into the surge protection needs of various information systems. They have conducted detailed analysis of the applications of information system surge protectors in various industries and innovatively launched the "XP Flexible Series" modular information system surge protector, obtaining corresponding national patents. This series of products has been tested and applied in some systems, with excellent test results and performance. It completely or partially solves the various problems mentioned above, providing users with truly flexible DIY options for selection and installation. It also pushes the R&D thinking of information system surge protectors into a new realm, bringing a new method to the integrated design of various security subsystems.
The "XP Flexible Series" surge protector for information systems incorporates the standardized DIN rail mounting concept of surge protectors for low-voltage power distribution systems, while also accommodating the mounting methods of 19-inch standard rack mounts for information systems. It is compatible with various mounting methods currently available for surge protectors in information systems, solving a major problem in the practical installation and use of signal surge protectors. The innovative XP series information system surge protector is divided into two modules:
I. XP Series Mounting Base, Main Features:
a. Transmission characteristics: DC: 5~48V, signal: 0~1000MB.
b. Nominal discharge current (8/20μs): 5kA.
c. Maximum discharge current (8/20μs): 10kA.
Note: The above performance meets the needs of most current information system applications and satisfies the requirements of the front-end surge protector of the LPZ0-1 interface in GB50343.
II. Main performance characteristics of M-series modules:
a. Interface type: Standard input/output ports that provide signal transmission.
b. Transmission characteristics: DC: 5~48V, signal: 0~1000MB.
c. Protection level: Multiple levels from 15V to 500V.
d. Insertion loss: <0.5dB.
Note: The above performance meets the needs of most current information system applications and complies with the requirements of the downstream surge protector of the LPZ1-2 interface in GB50343.
The combination of the XP series base and the M series module meets the surge protection requirements for various levels of information system protection in GB50343. The following simple example illustrates the features of the "XP Flexible Series" information system surge protector – the application of the XP19:
XP19 – Represents a 19-inch rack-mount surge protector preamp base, primarily providing rack-mount solutions for 19-inch server racks. It utilizes different M-series modules to address signal and low-voltage power protection for various interface types, primarily through the following methods:
a. Select the number of protection modules according to actual needs:
Users can choose to install X-channel (up to 24 channels or expand to n×24 channels using n XP19 units) surge protector modules according to the actual equipment conditions, to achieve X-channel X-standard rack protection. On the one hand, this reduces the waste of resources caused by users investing in modules that are not currently used, and on the other hand, it can be used for future expansion.
b. Select different protection modules based on the specific needs of different equipment:
In practical applications, there are often multiple transmission signals in the same cabinet, such as network lines, video lines, and other data acquisition signals. Users can easily select different modules and plug them into the same XP19 to achieve protection for different signals.
c. Fault-proof equipotential bonding in lightning protection engineering:
All M-series modules are grounded through the internal equal-level grounding of XP19, avoiding the failure or poor performance of the lightning protection system due to incomplete consideration of lightning protection engineering construction. XP19's foolproof design also avoids the impact of engineering construction factors even for personnel who do not fully understand lightning protection engineering.
II. Applications of XP35:
XP35 represents a 35mm DIN rail-mounted surge protector preamp base, primarily providing solutions for situations with a small number of signals or signals not concentrated in the same area. Its main applications include:
a. Multiple XP35 units can be combined to form a surge protection module:
For different signal scenarios, the n sets of XP35 can be combined in various ways to provide surge protection solutions for various signal scenarios.
For example, an XP35 + video module + power supply module + control circuit module can provide complete protection for surveillance cameras.
b. The base can be used alone as a pre-amplifier surge protector:
This series of bases offers multiple wiring options, enabling various types of pre-amplifier protection from 1 to 4 wires, thus solving common equipment protection solutions.
For example, this method can replace the Köln structure telephone surge protector currently widely used in telephone lines.
c. Base + Flexible Series M Module as pre- and post-stage protection:
For equipment subjected to severe lightning strikes or highly sensitive equipment, a base combined with the SuiXin series modules can serve as both front-end and back-end protection. This combination offers various solutions, such as:
Ø Base with 1~4 inputs (or outputs), base with 1~4 outputs (or inputs), solving the problem of wired environments.
Ø Base with 1~4 inputs (or outputs), base with 1~4 outputs (or inputs), solving the problem of wired environments.
Ø Module 1~4 inputs (or outputs), Module 1~4 outputs (or inputs), solving the problem of wired environments.
The base has 1-4 input (or output) channels and 1-4 output (or input) channels, solving the problem of converting wired connections to other interfaces, such as RS485 line conversion to DB9 or other interfaces.
Ø Module interface input, module interface output, a solution for standard interface input and output.
Because there are many types of signals, different transmission methods, and various interfaces, the protection and types of various signals can be implemented at any time according to different needs.
III. The M-series flexible modules offer multiple interfaces, multiple standards, and multiple combination methods (see Figure 3).
The XP Flexible Series modules currently offer interfaces such as RJ11, RJ45, BNC, F10, SMA, 9-pin D-type, USB, and terminal block type. In the future, more interface types can be designed to adapt to the rapid development of information systems and meet users' needs for expansion, upgrades, and compatibility.
The design goal of the "XP Flexible Series" information system surge protector is to allow you to build a surge protection system that best suits your needs. The so-called "XP" X-PROTECTION means flexible protection (PROTECTION) with any number of (X) protectors, any number of (X) interfaces, and any (X) information transmission standards.
Below, we will delve into several aspects of the advantages of the "XP Carefree Series" surge protector for information systems:
(a) Advantages of integrated system design
For the reasons we discussed earlier, surge protection design for information systems is extremely difficult and complex. You must understand transmission standards, interface methods, and other information before you can begin selecting the appropriate specifications from a large pool of models for the next design step. Designers must be very familiar with product specifications, characteristics, and interface methods, and also have some understanding of the transmission methods of the system kernel, which undoubtedly increases the difficulty and workload of their work.
The revolutionary standardized design of the "XP Flexible Series" eliminates the hassle of dealing with cumbersome issues like interface specifications, frequency characteristics, operating voltage, power ratings, and transmission modes from the initial design stage. It's so simple that you can achieve an integrated surge protection layout by simply counting the number of various lines, designing systems like XP35*50 or XP19*3, and optimizing wiring accordingly for more comprehensive lightning protection. Further design and optimization are required, simply by understanding the XP application guide and selecting the appropriate modules from numerous application examples. Secondary design during the construction phase is even simpler. Regardless of changes in wiring, equipment specifications, brands, or boundary conditions, XP35 or XP19 can accomplish the previously extensive and complex modifications simply by adjusting different modules.
(ii) Advantages of Adjustment During the Construction Period
For a surge protection project, it's common for clients to request temporary adjustments to the quantity and type of protection at the construction site. The "XP Flexible Series" allows you to easily meet the client's requirements by simply unplugging one module and plugging in another. This is unimaginable in traditional information surge protection products. Even easier is optimizing wiring; you may only need to swap the positions of two modules to achieve a more efficient cabling layout.
(III) Advantages of System Upgrade
Moore's Law, as we all know, describes the rapid development of information systems. A key challenge is protecting customers' investments during system upgrades and updates. Traditional surge protectors for information systems require complete replacement during major upgrades. However, the "XP Flexible Series" allows you to enjoy a completely new system upgrade experience simply by replacing a single module. Therefore, you no longer need to worry about surge protection when upgrading your 100Mbps network to a gigabit network.
(iv) Advantages of maintenance
Surge protectors are, after all, protective devices. When excessive lightning strikes occur, the irreparable damage to the surge protector itself must be anticipated. Therefore, maintenance and replacement become essential considerations in application. With conventional surge protectors, if damage occurs, you'll have to completely disassemble the device and install a new one. However, the "XP Flexible Series" design incorporates relatively fragile components within modules. In most cases, maintenance and replacement are tool-free; simply remove the damaged module and insert the new one. Furthermore, routine maintenance is also straightforward—simply remove, test, and reinsert—fully embodying the "XP Flexible Series'" excellent design philosophy: user-friendly design.
(V) Advantages of secondary development
The "XP Flexible Series" allows designers to perform secondary development on surge protectors for information systems through different combinations. The XP series offers several bases such as XP35 and XP19, and several modules including M100E, M**T, and M**B, providing immense flexibility for applications. Designers can easily create the most suitable and innovative protection mode according to their system requirements. For example, the original ASP specification RJ45-24E can be composed of XP19 + 24 M100E units, while XP35B + M24C can be conveniently applied in the fire alarm field, and combining XP35A + M06B can protect video surveillance.
(vi) Advantages of standardization
The "XP Flexible Series" features standardized DIN rail base designs and 19-inch rack-mount designs, all using standardized modules. This means you can easily swap modules originally installed on DIN rail bases to 19-inch rack-mount bases, or even other bases like the XP04. Furthermore, the standardized DIN rail installation method of the "XP Flexible Series" allows for flexible installation options, such as pre-installing bases during construction and installing modules only after equipment delivery. This simplifies applications across various industries, including smart buildings and security systems, where bases can be pre-installed during construction and modules installed upon handover. All of this is made possible by standardization.
(vii) Systematization of Power and Signal Engineering: In lightning protection work, system-based lightning protection has always been emphasized. Many people are intimidated by the term "system" and don't know where to start. In actual installation, the entire lightning protection system often fails due to incomplete solutions and inadequate equipotential treatment of different protectors. The "XP Flexible Series" integrates power and signal protection. With the "XP Flexible Series," you no longer need to worry about this, greatly simplifying the system engineering of lightning protection and making the work comprehensively simplified.
The revolutionary design of the "XP Flexible Series" opens up a whole new world of possibilities, allowing your design desires to take flight! This technological revolution in the "XP Flexible Series" information system surge protector is just the beginning of Guangzhou Leixun's commitment to creating newer, better, and more customer-centric solutions.
References:
1. GB50343-2004 Technical Specification for Lightning Protection of Electronic Information Systems in Buildings
2. GB18802.1－2002/IEC61643－1:1998 "Surge Protective Devices (SPDs) for Low-Voltage Power Distribution Systems – Part 1: Performance Requirements and Test Methods"
3. GB50057-94 Code for Design of Lightning Protection of Buildings
