Papers by Keyword: Spark Gap Switch

Abstract: Underwater plasma acoustic source has many advantages and wide applications, but its properties are greatly affected by the trigger switch. In this paper, the working principles of two types spark gap switch (Fig.1) were analyzed. Four aspects of the performance parameter including switching delay, delay jitter, voltage-drop percentage and transmission efficiency of the trigger switches (see Table 1) were researched by test and measurement. Experimental results show that: in normal condition, with the increase of charging voltage, switching delay time t_d and delay time jitter for both spark gap switches will decrease. Meanwhile, the switching delay and delay jitter of type A were always greater than type B; but, the transmission efficiency of type A was 20% higher than type B. The result will guide the experiment of underwater plasma acoustic source and the design of new trigger switch.

Abstract: A planar micro triggered spark gap switch with three electrodes was designed and fabricated based on non-silicon surface micromachining technology. It consists of two main electrodes, the shape of which is semicircle, and a triggering electrode which is a thin strip. The gap distance between two main electrodes is 800μm. Benefitting from MEMS technology, the switch is integratable and its cost has the potential to be reduced. The designed switch has been optimized and tested. It gives out a pulse current with peak of 5165.21A and 129.6ns rise time. The test data has an agreement with the simulation results.