Switch device having a non-linear transmission line
| DWPI Title: Switch device, has trigger electrode connected to main electrode, where trigger gap and main gap are located such that arcing of current across trigger gap or between main and trigger electrodes decreases breakdown voltage of main gap |
| Abstract: Switching devices are provided. The switching devices include an input electrode, having a main electrode and a trigger electrode, and an output electrode. The main electrode and the trigger electrode are separated from the output electrode by a main gap and a trigger gap, respectively. During operation, the trigger electrode compresses and amplifies a trigger voltage signal causing the trigger electrode to emit a pulse of energy. This pulse of energy form plasma near the trigger electrode, either by arcing across the trigger gap, or by arcing from the trigger electrode to the main electrode. This plasma decreases the breakdown voltage of the main gap. Simultaneously, or near simultaneously, a main voltage signal propagates through the main electrode. The main voltage signal emits a main pulse of energy that arcs across the main gap while the plasma formed by the trigger pulse is still present. |
| Use: Switch device, e.g. for triggering an electrical detonator. |
| Advantage: The device allows a trigger pulse to reliably form a plasma based on an input voltage signal lower than to be possible in absence of amplification when the trigger electrode amplifies and compresses the trigger voltage signal. |
| Novelty: The device (100) has a trigger electrode (108) electrically connected to a main electrode (106), where the trigger electrode comprises a non-linear transmission line. An output electrode (104) is separated from an end (107) of the main electrode by a main gap (110). The output electrode is separated from an end (109) of the trigger electrode by a trigger gap (112). The trigger gap and the main gap are located such that arcing of current across the trigger gap or between the main electrode and the trigger electrode decreases breakdown voltage of the main gap. |
| Filed: 9/30/2016 |
| Application Number: US15281991A |
| Tech ID: SD 13843.0 |
| This invention was made with Government support under Contract No. DE-NA0003525 awarded by the United States Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration. The Government has certain rights in the invention. |
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