Overvoltage protection of data concentrators used in Smart Grid applications

“Smart Grid” is a term used to define several phases of activities within the utility industry: from providing communications, monitoring and control capabilities for the energy infrastructure at the macro scale to controlling the energy usage of home appliances at the micro scale. This paper will address the segment of the Smart Grid activity that distributes data during last-mile connectivity between the data concentrator and the end user (home) level. Specifically, this paper will discuss the products and methodology required to protect outdoor link layer hardware from lightning strikes and current surges.