Solid state switches for high frequency operation as thyratron replacements

Applied Pulsed Power (“APP”) has developed a thyristor based switch capable of replacing thyratrons in many high-frequency, high current, high-voltage, pulsed power applications. The switch can operate at frequencies up to 500 pps, voltages of 32kV or higher and maximum fault currents of 14kA, and have lifetimes of more than 10¹¹ pulses [1]. Lower frequency models of our thyristor based thyratron replacement switches are currently in use at CERN, Argonne National Lab and SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory [2]. They offer advantages over thyratron switches in cost, lifetime, size, weight and maintenance requirements.