Characterization of triggered vacuum switches for high current operation

Author

Pappas, J.A. ; Pish, S.P. ; Salinas, M.J.

Author_Institution

Center for Electromech., Texas Univ., Austin, TX, USA

Volume

35

Issue

1

fYear

1999

fDate

1/1/1999 12:00:00 AM

Firstpage

367

Lastpage

371

Abstract

Triggered vacuum switches show promise for use in high-power, high-current and high-frequency conversion and switching circuits. Their specific power and power density ratings are well above silicon devices. TVS are robust devices that can survive faults that would destroy other types of switching devices. In addition, TVS are capable of fast recovery. However, there is not much performance data at high current and frequency and TVS are unable to recover reliably under reversing current and voltage conditions after passing a peak current greater than 20 kA. This paper describes the results of tests performed to obtain a wide variety of characteristics, including V/I characteristic, ability to share current, and ability to recover when a reverse voltage is applied

Keywords

power conversion; pulsed power switches; switching circuits; vacuum switches; V/I characteristic; fast recovery; high current operation; high-current; high-frequency conversion; high-power; power density; reversing current conditions; robust devices; specific power; switching circuits; triggered vacuum switches; voltage conditions; Circuit faults; Circuit testing; Frequency; Inductors; Performance evaluation; Robustness; Silicon devices; Switches; Switching circuits; Zero voltage switching;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Magnetics, IEEE Transactions on

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

0018-9464

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/20.738433

Filename

738433