Compact Planar One-Shot Circular Spark Gap Switch

Harish Kumar Gupta; M R Patel; Sahil Sharma; A V Nirmal; Kamaljeet Singh

doi:10.14429/dsj.67.11119

Harish Kumar Gupta Terminal Ballistic Research Laboratory, Chandigarh - 160 003
M R Patel Space Application Centre, Ahmedabad - 380 015
Sahil Sharma Terminal Ballistic Research Laboratory, Chandigarh - 160 003
A V Nirmal ISRO Satellite Centre, Bengaluru - 560 017
Kamaljeet Singh ISRO Satellite Centre, Bengaluru - 560 017

DOI: https://doi.org/10.14429/dsj.67.11119

Keywords: Spark gap switch, Alumina substrate, Triggering electrode, Exploding foil intiator

Abstract

The fabrication and characterisation of micro spark gap switch for single shot firing applications are given in detailed . A circular switch with triggering electrode is realised on alumina substrate and can be integratable easily with the electronics for ignition applications. Circular switch is realised on 25 mil alumina substrate within substrate diameter of 10 mm. The switch measurement shows having repeatable performance of pulse peak current of around 2000 A and less than 100 ns rise time. This article details the design, development including fabrication aspects of spark switch with trigger capabilities along with characterisation of switch on alumina substrates.

Author Biographies

Harish Kumar Gupta, Terminal Ballistic Research Laboratory, Chandigarh - 160 003

Mr Harish Kumar Gupta has obtained BTech (Instrumentation) from Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patiala, and ME (Electronics) from PEC, Chandigarh. Presently working as Scientist in TBRL, DRDO. His current field of work includes : Explosive driven pulse power systems. Apart from this, he has interest in high voltage systems, linear control systems, fiber optics, batteries for military applications and digital electronics.

In the current study, he provided the concept and driving force in executing this concept.

M R Patel, Space Application Centre, Ahmedabad - 380 015

Mr M.R. Patel obtained MSc in Chemistry. Presently working as ‘SE’ at Thin Film and Substrate Processing Division, Electronics Service Support Area, Space Applications. He has vast experiences in metal finishing and corrosion protection for ground and space use, thin film deposition for electronics applications for space and ground use, laser application for material processing and printed circuit board fabrications work.

In the current study, he developed process and carried out fabrication.

Sahil Sharma, Terminal Ballistic Research Laboratory, Chandigarh - 160 003

Mr Sahil Sharma has obtained his BTech (Electronics) from NIT, Jalandhar. Presently, serving as Scientist ‘D’ at TBRL, Chandigarh. His area of interests includes : High voltage power supplies and spark gaps.

In the current study, test set-up and switch testing carried out by him.

A V Nirmal, ISRO Satellite Centre, Bengaluru - 560 017

Mr A.V. Nirmal obtained his BE (Mechanical Engineering) from Kerala University, in 1984. Presently working as Group Director, Systems Engineering Group, ISRO Satellite Centre. He is credited with production and delivering of sub-systems of IRS and Geosat missions. He was involved in the design and development of various mechanical systems for both launch vehicle and satellites and establishment of test facilities.

In the current study, he provides constant encouragement and motivation.

Kamaljeet Singh, ISRO Satellite Centre, Bengaluru - 560 017

Dr Kamaljeet Singh has obtained MTech (Microwaves) and PhD from Delhi University, in 1999 and 2010, respectively. Presently working at SEG Group ISRO Satellite Center, Bengaluru. During August 2006 – Feb 2016, he was associated with Semi-Conductor Laboratory, Chandigarh and worked in the areas of RF-MEMS and sensors.

In the current study, he coordinated and executed the implementation of the concept.