Coincidence detection system for multi-switch pulsed power systems

Switch synchronization is an important consideration for large pulsed power systems. A fiber-optic based diagnostic monitor was developed that measures the operating simultaneity of 4 to 36 spark gaps. A B- or D-dot probe at each switch drives a fiber transmitter and a coincidence analyzer with fiber receivers determines if a prefire or misfire occurred, or if switch closure happened within nominal operating limits such as those based upon expected switch runtime and its standard deviation.