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Switching Spark Gaps Schaltfunkenstrecken
Basic circuit pulse igniter Prinzipschaltkreis Impulsz ndger t

Switching spark gap Schaltfunkenstrecke

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RAB0223-W
Fig. / Bild 1

General technical information It is increasingly common practice to use pulse igniters to ignite modern high-pressure gas-discharge lamps. The performance of these components is significantly determined by the properties of the switching element. The ideal element would be an extremely fast switch operating almost without losses with a high insulating resistance in the non-conducting state. It would also be as compact as possible, rugged, highly reliable and capable of operating within a wide temperature range. Switching spark gaps from EPCOS satisfy these requirements better than any other component by exploiting the principle of arc discharge: The enormous speed at which the electric arc is formed (30 ns) as well as its high current carrying capability allow the generation of brief pulses (of some 10 us duration) with extremely high current and

voltage rise times and low losses. The insulating resistance in the nonconducting state is determined by the extremely low leakage currents and is in the M range, the actual value depending on the type. The design and assembly of our spark gaps as well as the high quality standard of our manufacturing process (ISO TS 16949) satisfy the tough requirements made by the automotive industry on component reliability. Our spark gaps have already proved their worth in igniting xenon headlights several millions of times for many years. The basic design of a pulse igniter with a charging resistor, an ignition capacitor, a spark gap and a highvoltage transformer is shown in Fig.1. When the ignition voltage of the spark gap is reached, the energy stored in the capacitor is discharged via the primary side of the transformer and generates the required

high-voltage pulses on the secondary side. Their amplitude is determined by the ignition voltage of the spark gap and by the winding ratio of the transformer. The repetition frequency can be set by selecting a suitable charging resistor. The construction of gas-filled switching spark gaps is similar to that of the surge arrester with two electrodes shown in this brochure. The electrical properties required for switching applications and the long switching life are set by matching design features such as the spacing and shape of the electrodes, the electrode activating compound, the type and pressure of the filling gas as well as the number, type and position of the ignition aids. The rugged hard-solder connection between the electrodes and the ceramic insulator ensures high reliability within a wide temperature range.

EPCOS AG

General