High Voltage Switches

OptiSwitch is pleased to offer custom high voltage semiconductor switches capable of extremely high currents (100kA) and high voltages (10-20kV). We offer two basic types the light activated semiconductor switch (LASS) and the all new extreme break over diode (XBOD®).

Light Activated Switches

OptiSwitch develops high voltage light activated semiconductor switches (LASS) for DoD mission critical applications. These switches range in voltage from 10 kV to 20kV with currents of 100kA and offer high dI/dt, high action, and optical isolation.

Extreme Break Over Diode (XBOD®)

OptiSwitch has just introduced the latest in high voltage switching innovation, the Extreme Break Over Diode (XBOD®). Unlike the LASS switch, this two terminal thyristor is switched on by a dv/dt pulse to one electrode. OptiSwitch supplies the trigger circuit to activate the XBOD® so the user has a complete switching solution for most any pulsed power application.

click for enlarged view

What is an XBOD® and what are its characteristics?

• Four layer silicon thyristor device that is triggered by a dV/dtpulse to the anode.
• Fast voltage fall times at <4 kV/device (<100-200ns)
• Minimal insertion delay (<50ns). This depends on the trigger pulse.
• Simple circular structure with no gates (inexpensive)
• Circular devices can be stacked in a conventional hermetic hockey-puck style package for realizing a high voltage (20 kV) switch
• Suitable for use in pulsed power applications requiring high action and high peak current switching

• Pulsed Laser Diode Drivers
• PLDD-2-SP
• PLDD-50-SP
• PLDD-75-9-1
• PLDD-150-1-1
• PLDD-200-1-1
• PLDD-200-12-20
• PLDD-300-1-20
• PLDD-2500
• Accessories
• UIB-01
• High Voltage Switches
• Services & Reference
• Pulsed Electric Fields
• Laser Diode Suppliers
• Integration Services
• Quest for Accurate Sensing