Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Pseudo-Spark Switches (PSSs) are characterised by high-voltage withstand, high-current conduction capabilities, and an extended lifetime compared to alternative gas discharge switches. Despite numerous studies investigating PSS characteristics across different geometries, construction materials, and triggering methods, a generalised design methodology is still lacking. This work addresses this gap by establishing foundational design guidelines synthesised from the available literature data. By analysing diverse electrode geometries, gas pressure configurations, and trigger mechanisms, the core operational boundaries of the electrical parameters, as well as the lifetime, are mapped. Furthermore, the practical significance of these guidelines is demonstrated through a complete design example of a PSS tailored for a Marx generator used in Pulsed-Power Geo-Drilling (PPGD). The resulting framework provides a systematic roadmap that reduces trial-and-error in PSS development for high-power applications.
Source: Electronics
Authors: João Martins, Jürgen Biela
Institution: ETH Zurich
Language: English
Subfield: Control and Systems Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,896
OpenAlex ID: W7171543476