R. W. Bickes, Jr. and M. C. Grubelich
ABSTRACT: We have developed a silicon semiconductor bridge (SCB) igniter which, when driven with a low-energy current pulse, produces a plasma discharge that ignites energetic materials. Our experiments have demonstrated that SCB explosive devices function in a few tens of microseconds at one-tenth the input energy of hot-wire devices. Despite the low input energies for ignition, tests have demonstrated SCB devices to be explosively safe, passing electrostatic discharge (ESD) requirements and no-fire current levels. In fact, SCB devices can have better no-fire characteristics than hot-wire devices, because of the intimate bridge contact between the underlying thermally conductive substrate. We have tested several different prototype explosive devices. In addition, we have tested SCB actuators with breadboarded "smart" firing sets that will fire the SCB actuators only after transmission of a digital code, after a preset delay, or in a preprogrammed sequence.
Keywords: semiconductor bridge, SCB, pyrotechnic igniter, explosives
Ref: JPyro, Issue 2, 1995, pp1-5
(J2_1)
© Journal of Pyrotechnics and CarnDu Ltd
