Development of trigger circuit of multi-rod triggered vacuum switch

A trigger circuit was developed for triggered vacuum switch (TVS) with more than 20 mm gap distance. The trigger circuit generate a high pulse voltage by pulse transformer, parallel a small capacitor on the output of the transformer and series a sharpening gap between the capacitor and the trigger surface. The output of trigger circuit is not affected by metal vapor deposition on trigger surface. Adjusting the gap breakdown voltage can increase charging voltage and energy storage of capacitor. Conduction tests for TVS were done with the trigger circuit. The results show that output energy of the trigger circuit was increased by adding the sharpening gap, regardless of the metal deposition on trigger surface. The trigger circuit can ensure 100% reliable conduction of TVS with a series sharpening gap between the capacitor and the trigger surface.