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Series SW-50K
For use in:

Laser Drivers

Marx Generators

Capacitor Banks

Current Injectors

Pulse-forming Networks

High-voltage Switching
Series SW-50K
High Precision
Spark Gap Switches
The SW-50Ks are compact, high-voltage, pressurized spark gaps designed for use in systems where minimum
size, low inductance, and precision triggering are required. UV illumination in the trigger electrode provides
particularly reliable triggering. Graphite electrodes are available for applications requiring very precise
breakdown characteristics. Because of their rugged construction, the SW-50Ks can operate continuously
at modest repetition rates. Although typically operated surrounded by an insulating gas or oil, they can
develop full voltage in free air. These spark gaps can operate over a particularly broad range of both the
charge voltage and the trigger pulse voltage. The simplicity of the design of these switches and their long-
term reliability make them extremely useful in a variety of high-voltage applications.
These switches are particularly well-suited to compact, modest-energy systems which require very low
timing jitter. They are used in laser drivers, Marx generators, capacitor banks, current injectors, pulse-forming
networks, and other high-voltage switching applications.
Applications
Voltage Range:
10 - 50 kV
Maximum Peak Current:
50 kA
Maximum Charge Transfer:
0.25 Coulomb
Maintenance Interval at Full Ratings:
> 10,000 Shots
Jitter:
1 ns RMS
Dielectric Gas:
Dry Air or SF
6
Inductance:
100 nH
Minimum Trigger Voltage:
> 30% Charge Voltage
Maximum Repetition Rate:
10 Hz

Weight:
1 lb
Specifications
General Description Typical Installations
Dimensions and Mounting
Mounting and electrode connection is
provided by the 5/8-20 UNF on either end
of the SW50K. The unit should be mounted
coaxially if lowest inductance is required.
The gas ports are standard 1/4-inch tubing
swage fittings.
Self-breakdown Voltage Versus Pressure
These curves depict the self-
breakdown parameters of the
SW50K. The operating voltage
should be approximately 75%
of the self-breakdown levels.
Triggering is accomplished by
applying a voltage to the mid-
plane electrode. The trigger pulse
should be a minimum of 50% of
the gap operating voltage 100%
is recommended
80
60
40
20
80
60
40
20
0
0
20
10
20
30
40
50
40
60
80
100
S
E
L
F
-
B
R
E
A
K
V
O
L
T
A
G
E
(
k
V
)
50kV Maximum
50kV Maximum
SYNTHETIC AIR PRESSURE (PSIG)
SF6 PRESSURE (PSIG)
Self-Bre
ak
Self-Bre
ak
Marx Generator Circuit
Current Injection Pulser
TO ADDITIONAL
STAGES
TRIGGER
IN
Rt
Rt
Rc
Rc
Rc
Rt
Rc
Rc
Rb
Rc
Rb
Rt
C2
C1
RL
Rc
Rt
Rt
-25 kV
+25 kV
Components
Note:
C1 Energy Discharge Capacitor
C2 Trigger Isolation Capacitor
Rb Trigger Bias Resistor
Rc Charge Current Limiting Resistor
RL Load Resistance
Rt Illuminator Shunt Resistor
= Charging Resistor,
20 k½ Typ.
= Trigger Coupling
Resistor 2 k½ Typ.
Trigger
Pulse In
50 kV
DC
-
+
Negative charging voltage
produces produces positive
pulse output. Reverse charging
polarity for negative output.
2.88"
1.50"
1.67"
0.92"
3.82"
L-3 Communications Pulse Sciences 2700 Merced St. San Leandro, CA 94577-0599 Phone (510) 577-7150 Fax (510) 577-7129