Solid state switch

Abstract

A solid state switch for electro-explosive devices. Fundamentally, the switch includes a matrix of transformers, each having a center-tap primary winding and a grounded secondary winding, the secondary having a bridge wire connected thereacross. Power gating circuitry is provided for applying a DC voltage to the center-tap primary of all transformers in a selected row. A pair of transistors are connected through diodes to opposite ends of all of the primary windings of the transistors in each column. A driver alternately gates the pair of transistors of a selected column into and out of conduction such that the current through the primary of the transformer common to both the selected row and selected column is of alternating direction, inducing an AC current into the associated secondary winding. The bridge wire of the secondary is thus energized by an AC current.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.