Triggered switch performance in SF/sub 6/, air, and an SF/sub 6//air mixture

This paper reports on the work undertaken to determine the performance and operational characteristics of a triggered corona stabilized (TCS) high pulse repetition frequency (PRF) switch, developed as part of a high PRF trigger generator. The voltage/pressure (V/p) and trigger range characteristics of the switch were measured for SF/sub 6/, air, and a 25%/75% SF/sub 6//air mixture up to a pressure of 4 bar (1 bar=100 kPa), with different main and trigger gap spacings. Other parameters such as the magnitude of the trigger pulse and the effect of certain circuit elements on the trigger range characteristics and performance of the TCS switch were also investigated. The results presented are evaluated in order to identify a suitable operating region for the switch with each of the gases used during this study.