Development and operation of a solid-state switch for thyratron replacement

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 /spl mu/s 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 thyratrons have all been replaced since the solid-state swtch 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 the switch.