Comparison of switching technologies for a tactical EML application

Capabilities of switches to meet pulser requirements for a high energy tactical application are reviewed. Characteristics of solid state and non-solid state switching devices are discussed with respect to their rating limits when operated in an electromagnetic launcher system at a peak voltage of 15 kilovolts, a peak current of 3.6 million amperes and a pulse width of 4 milliseconds. The switch types compared were selected for their ability to conduct high peak current at high coulomb levels while operating in mobile tactical system having severe volumetric constraints. A series-parallel arrangement of silicon controlled rectifiers was considered to offer the best approach for the tactical system.