Project Title:

A Pulse Power Thyristor for High Temperature Aerospace

John C. Driscoll
Power Technology South
7800 Netherlands Drive
Raleigh, N.C. 27606

93-1-10     07   0455A

A Pulse Power Thyristor for High Temperature Aerospace
Applications

Abstract:

The proposed Pulse Power Thyristor (PPT) could replace spark
gaps, vacuum switches, thyratrons and ignitrons at operating
temperatures over 200ø C. The Pulse Power Opening Switch
Thyristor (the PPOST), a variation of the PPT, could also exceed
the performance of MCT's, IGBT's and GTO's with improved Safe
Operating Area (SOA) and off-state performance, approaching that
of a recovering diode. Both the PPT and PPOST have lower on-state
voltage and a lower chip size for lower cost. Champion Aviation
Products has agreed to fund necessary post SBIR work to enable
manufacture of the proposed switches for use in high ambiant
temperature exciter/igniter applications for jet/turbine starting
applications. This proposal is based on the P.I.'s recent
experience of applying fine integrated circuit geometries and
bonded lead frames to both cathode and anode regions of positive
beveled asymmetric thyristors. The 10.07 subtopics specifically
addressed are high temperature Electronic devices for PMAD
systems i.e. npn/pnp transistors arranged as regenerative pairs
as in thyristor technology for high temperature aerospace
exciter/igniter and electrical actuation applications.

The proposed semiconductor will replace spark gap switches in jet
engine exciter/igniter starter systems and can be mounted in high
ambiant temperature environments, up to 200ø C. An opening switch
version of the thyristor will have a safe operating area similar
to a recovering diode and could replace IGBT's, BJT's and MCT's. 

Anode gated SCR Pulse Power Thyristor MCT SCR GTO IGBT