A Current-Limiting Technique for Powering Wire Chambers

Using the principle of fold-back current limiting, circuitry which permits good chamber voltage regulation during normal operation and still provides the protection of a large series resistance to "soften" the voltage source in case of sparking and other discharges is described. Such circuitry is presently being used in several high energy physics experiments employing proportional wire chambers which require self-destruct protection. Supplementary circuitry which provides a fast crowbar at a preset current threshold is also included.