Bourns offers a symmetrical surface mount (SM) 3-electrode GDT surge protection device. The industry-leading quality and features of the Bourns® miniature-TRIGARDTM series GDT continue in the 2038 symmetrical version. The 2038 series is ideal for board level protection of high bandwidth applications such as xDSL, cable broadband and high speed Ethernet, due to its symmetrical turn on characteristics as well as high energy-handling capability, long and stable life performance and low capacitance of less than 1 pF. The 2038 series’ breakdown voltages are nearly equal line to line as well as line to ground. Typical 3-electrode GDT line-line breakdown voltages are 1.8-2 times higher than the line to ground breakdown voltage. Bourns® Gas Discharge Tubes (GDT) are designed to prevent damage from transient disturbances by acting as a “crowbar” in creating a virtual short-to-ground circuit during conduction. When an electrical surge exceeds the defined breakdown voltage level of the GDT, the device becomes ionized and rapid conduction takes place. When the surge passes and the system voltage returns to normal levels, the GDT returns to its high-impedance (off) state.