3R470L Alternative / Equivalent / Replacement

YINT Electronics — Three-Electrode Gas Discharge Tube (GDT)

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1. Introduction

The 3R470L is a three-electrode gas discharge tube (GDT) that protects telecom, CATV, and data communication equipment from lightning surges and power-induced transients. It has a DC breakdown voltage of 470V ±20% and handles 10kA impulse discharge current per 8/20µs waveform. This GDT works in telecom base stations, broadband access equipment, and industrial communication interfaces. The three-electrode design is the preferred choice for protecting balanced signal pairs where equal firing of both lines is essential for reliable system operation.

The 3R470L is an industry standard part number used by Bourns and compatible across all major GDT manufacturers including Littelfuse, EPCOS/TDK, Eaton, and Wurth Elektronik. YINT Electronics manufactures the 3R470L-6×8 as a fully compatible replacement in the DIP 6×8mm through-hole package. The device delivers ultra-low capacitance of 1pF that minimizes signal loss on high-speed data lines.

Engineers looking for a 3R470L replacement or 3R470L alternative can specify the YINT 3R470L-6×8 as a direct drop-in equivalent. It provides the same 470V DC breakdown voltage, 10kA surge capacity, and 1pF capacitance with ±20% tolerance across every production lot. YINT's manufacturing process includes 100% in-process testing for DC breakdown voltage, impulse spark-over voltage, and insulation resistance on every device to guarantee compliance with published specifications. The 3R470L-6×8 is a cost-effective alternative to Bourns 3R470L and other major brands, offering identical performance at competitive pricing with reliable supply chain support.

2. Product Overview

Three-electrode GDTs offer better protection than two-electrode types for balanced signal pairs. The third electrode provides a common ground reference that balances the firing characteristics between both signal lines. This design makes sure both electrodes fire at the same voltage, preventing damaging voltage differentials across the protected circuit during a transient event.

The YINT 3R470L-6×8 fits in a standard 6×8mm DIP footprint used across the industry. Its 470V DC breakdown voltage makes it ideal for 300V to 470V DC power buses, telecom ring voltages in central office equipment, and broadband distribution network entrance protection. The 10kA impulse discharge current handles severe lightning-induced surges per IEC 61643-11 and ITU-T K.12 requirements for primary protection level devices.

YINT produces a full range of three-electrode GDTs from the 3R470L-6×8 at 470V to the 3R600L-6×8 at 600V. This coverage lets customers source all 3R-series GDT protection from one manufacturing partner, simplifying supply chain logistics and reducing qualification overhead. The 3R470L-6×8 uses ceramic sealed gas discharge technology with stable firing characteristics over its full rated life of thousands of surge events. The device maintains its specified DC breakdown voltage within ±20% tolerance from -40°C to +90°C for consistent protection in outdoor installations.

The 1pF capacitance makes the 3R470L-6×8 virtually invisible to the protected circuit during normal operation. It does not load down high-speed data signals up to 1Gbps and beyond, making it suitable for broadband, DSL, and Ethernet interface protection. The device transitions from a high-impedance off state (over 1GΩ) to a low-impedance conducting state in less than 100ns when the breakdown voltage is exceeded, quickly shunting surge energy to ground.

3. Key Features

• Three-Electrode Design — Balanced firing between signal lines for common mode protection
• DC Breakdown Voltage: 470V ±20% — Standard rating for telecom and industrial equipment
• Impulse Discharge Current: 10kA — 8/20µs waveform, 10 hits, robust surge handling
• Ultra-Low Capacitance: 1pF — No signal degradation on high-speed data lines
• Spark-over Voltage: 1200V — 1kV/µs impulse, fast response to fast-rising transients
• Insulation Resistance: >1GΩ — Minimal leakage under normal operating conditions
• DIP 6×8mm Package — Industry-standard through-hole footprint
• RoHS Compliant — Lead-free materials, environmentally friendly

4. Specifications

5. Cross Reference

The 3R470L designation originates from Bourns and is recognized across the GDT industry. YINT's 3R470L-6×8 is a direct drop-in replacement with identical or tighter electrical specifications, ensuring compatibility without any design changes. Engineers searching for a 3R470L equivalent can confidently choose YINT as a universal cross-reference option.

6. Comparison with Similar Models

Engineers often compare the 3R470L with nearby voltage variants and two-electrode alternatives. The table below shows key differences to help select the right 3R470L equivalent for each design.

The YINT 3R470L-6×8 delivers the same 470V breakdown and 10kA surge rating as the Bourns 3R470L with lower capacitance than EPCOS alternatives. Two-electrode models like the SL4702A provide lower surge capacity (5kA) and lack the balanced firing benefit of a three-electrode design. For designs requiring higher breakdown voltage, the 3R600L-6×8 drops into the same 6×8mm footprint. The YINT 3R470L-6×8 gives you a cost-effective drop-in equivalent to Bourns and Eaton parts with identical performance and guaranteed long-term availability.

7. Applications

• Telecom central office equipment primary surge protection for ring voltage and trunk lines
• CATV and broadband distribution network coaxial cable entrance protection
• Ethernet PoE power feed line transient suppression per IEEE 802.3af/at/bt
• DSL and xDSL access equipment subscriber line interface protection
• Industrial Ethernet and fieldbus communication port surge clamping
• Base station power feeder and signal line primary surge protection
• Security and CCTV system coaxial video input surge suppression
• Fire alarm and building management system communication line protection
• Medical equipment isolated communication port transient protection (IEC 60601)
• Railway signaling and trackside equipment communication port surge protection
• Outdoor surveillance camera and PTZ control line entrance protection against direct lightning strikes
• Smart grid and utility metering communication interface primary surge suppression

8. Why Choose YINT

• 19+ years of manufacturing expertise in EMC protection devices since 2006
• Full GDT product line covering both 3-electrode (3R470L, 3R600L) and SMD (SMD1206, SMD1812) packages for all applications
• Direct drop-in replacement for Bourns 3R470L with identical footprint and electrical specs
• 100% production testing on every device for DC breakdown, spark-over and insulation resistance
• Global sales network serving North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America
• Engineering team available for cross-reference verification and application support
• Free samples for qualification and testing upon request
• Direct manufacturer pricing with volume discounts and short lead times

9. Ordering Information

10. FAQ

Q1: Is YINT 3R470L-6×8 a direct replacement for Bourns 3R470L?
A: Yes. The YINT 3R470L-6×8 has identical 470V DC breakdown, 10kA surge rating and 6×8mm DIP footprint. It drops in without any PCB changes.

Q2: What is the difference between a 3-electrode and 2-electrode GDT?
A: Three-electrode GDTs provide balanced firing of both signal lines with a common ground reference. Two-electrode types protect single lines individually. Use 3-electrode for telecom pairs and differential signal lines.

Q3: What is the impulse discharge current rating?
A: 10kA for the 8/20µs waveform, 10 hits. This rating meets ITU-T K.12 and IEC 61643-11 requirements for primary surge protection.

Q4: Can 3R470L replace Littelfuse SL4702A?
A: The 3R470L is a 3-electrode GDT while SL4702A is 2-electrode. Use 3R470L when balanced line-to-ground protection is needed. For single-line applications, the electrical ratings are similar.

Q5: Does the 3R470L affect signal quality on high-speed data lines?
A: No. The 1pF capacitance is low enough for high-speed data up to 1Gbps and above. The GDT only conducts during surge events, remaining invisible to the circuit under normal operation.

Q6: What is the operating life of the 3R470L-6×8?
A: The device withstands 10 hits of 10kA 8/20µs impulse current. Under nominal surge conditions, it provides thousands of operations before reaching end of life (fail-safe short circuit mode). The ceramic gas tube construction ensures consistent firing voltage across its full service life.

11. Conclusion

YINT Electronics' 3R470L-6×8 is a reliable, high-performance replacement for industry-standard GDT models from Bourns, Littelfuse, EPCOS/TDK, and Eaton. It delivers 470V DC breakdown with 10kA surge capacity and ultra-low 1pF capacitance for robust telecom, CATV, and industrial communication line protection. The three-electrode design provides balanced firing for differential signal pairs, which is critical for maintaining signal integrity and preventing equipment damage in sensitive communication interfaces. The device is manufactured and fully tested at YINT's ISO-certified facilities with 19+ years of EMC protection experience.

Contact YINT Electronics at global@yint.com.cn for datasheets, samples, or pricing. Our engineering team is ready to assist with cross-references and application support.