Solid-state switch arrays for digitized plasma control and magneto-inertial fusion applications

A solid-state switch array apparatus, comprising:

• multiple solid-state switches arranged in series and parallel configurations,
• wherein the multiple solid-state switches are configured to transition to a conducting state for direct current discharge;
• a corresponding resistor circuit connected in parallel with each solid-state switch to distribute voltage across each solid-state switch during a charging operation,
• wherein each corresponding resistor circuit has a resistance associated with bleed-over current characteristics of each solid-state switch during an overvoltage condition, and
• wherein each solid-state switch is configured to hold back a direct current voltage supplied by a charged capacitor during the charging operation;
• and
• a corresponding snubber circuit connected in parallel with each solid-state switch and comprising a capacitor configured to absorb electrical energy spikes during the direct current discharge,
• wherein the corresponding snubber circuit is configured to protect each solid-state switch from transient back electromotive force generated during the direct current discharge, and
• wherein the capacitor has a capacitance associated with a characteristic of a load of the solid-state switch array apparatus.

A solid-state switch array apparatus comprising:

• multiple solid-state switches arranged in series and parallel configurations;
• a corresponding resistor circuit connected in parallel with each solid-state switch to distribute voltage across each solid-state switch during a charging operation;
• a load balance resistor connected across a load of the solid-state switch array apparatus,
• wherein the load balance resistor has a resistance associated with a total resistance of corresponding resistor circuits connected in parallel with the multiple solid-state switches, and
• wherein the load balance resistor is configured to control voltage distribution between the solid-state switch array apparatus and the load;
• and
• a corresponding snubber circuit connected in parallel with each solid-state switch,
• wherein the corresponding snubber circuit is configured to:
• absorb electrical energy spikes during direct current discharge, and
• protect each solid-state switch from transient back electromotive force generated during the direct current discharge, and
• wherein the corresponding snubber circuit comprises a capacitor having a capacitance associated with a characteristic of the load of the solid-state switch array apparatus.