Lightning surge, also known as lightning-induced voltage surges, is a significant threat to electronic devices and power systems. These surges can be caused by various factors, including direct and indirect lightning strikes. Direct lightning strikes occur when lightning hits an object directly, while indirect strikes involve the electromagnetic field generated by lightning between clouds or within a cloud. This electromagnetic field can induce voltages on nearby conductive lines, such as power lines or communication cables, leading to potential damage to connected equipment. Another common cause of lightning surges is switching transients, which result from sudden changes in electrical circuits. For example, when large capacitors are switched on or off, or when there are faults like short circuits or arcing in the system, these events can generate high-voltage spikes that propagate through the power grid. Such surges can potentially damage sensitive components in power supplies, especially if they are not adequately protected. When a lightning surge occurs, it can take two main forms: "lightning strike" and "ringing" waves. The former refers to the high-energy pulse from a direct lightning strike, while the latter involves oscillating voltage spikes that can occur due to the interaction of different circuit elements. To protect against these surges, several types of protection devices are commonly used. Gas Discharge Tubes (GDTs) are widely used for their ability to handle large surge currents and provide a low inter-electrode capacitance. Transient Voltage Suppression (TVS) diodes are another essential component, offering fast response times to clamp overvoltages and protect downstream circuits. Metal Oxide Varistors (MOVs) are also popular due to their nonlinear voltage-current characteristics, making them effective at absorbing energy from surges. In addition, Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) self-recovering fuses serve as overcurrent protection devices, automatically resetting once the fault condition is cleared. Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)/TVS arrays are designed for high-frequency applications, providing excellent protection with low capacitance and fast response times. When designing circuits to withstand lightning surges, careful attention must be given to PCB layout and component placement. Common mode and differential mode surges require different protection strategies. For common mode surges, ensuring proper isolation between primary and secondary sides, using Y-capacitors, and maintaining safe distances between components are crucial. Differential mode surges, on the other hand, often require the use of MOVs, spark gaps, and inductors to limit the current and dissipate energy effectively. During lightning surge testing, specific test configurations are used to simulate real-world conditions. These tests typically involve applying voltage between the line (L), neutral (N), and ground (E) lines to evaluate the system's response. Proper grounding and layout techniques are essential to ensure that the test results are accurate and reliable. Additionally, during the design phase, it is important to consider the impact of parasitic inductances and capacitances, as these can affect the performance of protective components. Using bypass capacitors close to sensitive components, minimizing loop areas, and ensuring proper grounding can significantly improve the system's immunity to surges. In outdoor applications, such as LED street lighting systems, the requirements for lightning surge protection are even more stringent. These systems often need to withstand high surge voltages and currents, requiring robust protection schemes involving multiple layers of protection, including GDTs, MOVs, and discharge tubes. Overall, understanding the causes of lightning surges and implementing appropriate protection measures is critical to ensuring the reliability and longevity of electronic systems. By combining the right components with thoughtful design practices, engineers can create resilient power supplies capable of withstanding the challenges posed by lightning-induced surges.

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