Development and Operation of a Solid-State Switch for Thyratron Replacement

Conference · Fri Jun 14 00:00:00 EDT 1991

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1109/PPC.1991.733264· OSTI ID:5578345

Dreifuerst, G. R. ^[1]; Merritt, B. T. ^[1]

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1. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)

A solid-state switch, consisting of 22 reverse conducting thyristors, has been designed to operate at 20 kV hold-off voltage, 1500 A peak, 57 ARMS, 1.0 μs pulse-width, and 4500 pps. To date, 70 switches have been fielded, accumulating over 330,000 unit-hours with a demonstrated MTBF of over 6000 hours. The previously used thyratrons have all been replaced since the solid-state switch has proven to be more reliable. In addition, the solid-state switch is more cost effective due to its ability to be repaired. This paper discusses the design, construction, triggering, operation, reliability, and failure modes of this switch.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• OSTI ID: 5578345
• Report Number(s): UCRL-JC--105355; CONF-910640--36; ON: DE91016553
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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42 ENGINEERING
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& Techniques
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
DESIGN
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
ELECTRON TUBES
ELECTRONIC CIRCUITS
EQUIPMENT
GAS DISCHARGE TUBES
GAS LASERS
ISOTOPE SEPARATION
LASER ISOTOPE SEPARATION
LASERS
METAL VAPOR LASERS
PULSE CIRCUITS
SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES
SEMICONDUCTOR SWITCHES
SEPARATION PROCESSES
SWITCHES
THYRATRONS
THYRISTORS
TRIGGER CIRCUITS