Optimization of a fuse opening switch for a compact power conditioning unit

The results from an investigation into the performance of a fuse opening switch, to be used as a component of a compact power conditioning unit, PCU, in an explosively driven high power microwave system, is presented. A pulse forming network designed to mimic the current action of a flux compression generator is utilized for these experiments. The investigation focused on the effect of altering fuse parameters, such as the diameter of fuse conductors and conductor winding geometry, on voltage and power levels delivered to a resistive load. Also, experiments were conducted with a thin layer of Semicosil, a commercial silicon material used in slower fusing opening switches, applied to fuse conductors, to investigate the possible advantages of using such a coating. Experiments showed that an increased number of conductor wires (with an approximately constant total cross-sectional area) resulted in similar voltages delivered to the resistive load, and that coating fuse conductors with Semicosil had a negligible effect on power delivery. A detailed description of these experiments will be given, along with data and waveforms illustrating the effects of these parameter variations on power levels delivered to the load.