초록 ▼

A switch device for one-time use in conducting very high currents comprising a silicon substrate on which is deposited a amorphous silicon or polysilicon strip extending as a bridge between first and second spaced-apart metal contacts deposited on the silicon substrate. Also deposited on the same su

A switch device for one-time use in conducting very high currents comprising a silicon substrate on which is deposited a amorphous silicon or polysilicon strip extending as a bridge between first and second spaced-apart metal contacts deposited on the silicon substrate. Also deposited on the same substrate on opposite sides of the bridge and spaced from it are a set of high voltage contacts. When a high voltage is applied across the contacts, no current flows until a trigger current is made to flow through the bridge, the trigger current being sufficiently large to vaporize the bridge creating a plasma cloud. The plasma, being highly conductive, allows a very large current to flow between the high voltage contacts. The device of the present invention finds special application as part of a detonation system for high explosive ammunitions. This specification discloses various modifications to the above structure to achieve desired performance characteristics.

대표청구항 ▼

An integrated circuit device for switching high currents, comprising: (a) a silicon chip substrate having first and second pairs of conductive contacts deposited on at least one surface of said substrate, said contacts being spaced apart along two mutually perpendicular axes; (b) a strip of material

An integrated circuit device for switching high currents, comprising: (a) a silicon chip substrate having first and second pairs of conductive contacts deposited on at least one surface of said substrate, said contacts being spaced apart along two mutually perpendicular axes; (b) a strip of material which, when vaporized, creates a plasma cloud, disposed on said silicon chip substrate joining said first pair of contacts to one another, said strip of material extending between but out of physical contact with said second pair of contacts.