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Ultra Compact Energy Efficient High Voltage Switches for Switching Very Small Energy Stores

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Army
Contract: W9113M-10-C-0005
Agency Tracking Number: A092-118-0936
Amount: $69,676.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: A09-118
Solicitation Number: 2009.2
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2009
Award Year: 2010
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2009-11-01
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2010-05-31
Small Business Information
350 Wynn Drive
Huntsville, AL 35805
United States
DUNS: 031994218
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Frank Rose
 Principal Investigator
 (256) 489-3642
 frank.rose@radiancetech.com
Business Contact
 Denise Pelham
Title: Contract Administrator
Phone: (256) 489-8960
Email: dpelham@radiancetech.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

Radiance proposes to create a low loss critical power conditioning element, a miniature switch, which is integral to munitions capable of generating electronic kill mechanisms in addition to blast and impact damage. Inherent in the switch is the requirement that they must be capable of sustaining severe g-loading, meet stringent efficiency and volume requirements, and have appropriate shelf life. We are unaware of any ultra-compact, low loss, miniature switch, approximately 1 inch diameter , that can function in an explosive-driven, pulsed-power system capable of hundreds kilovolts output voltage at hundreds of megawatts power levels. We propose to develop two unique switch concepts, one based on a miniature detonator to shock a dielectric insulator to conductivity and a second hermetically sealed gas switch that have the potential to meet the stated requirements. These switches could be enabling for many of the advanced DoD non-conventional warheads. The switch design concepts envision a completely self-contained, inert-until-used switch with requisite energy store for switching. It is possible to build ultra compact single shot/multiple shot switches that are compact, efficient, and inexpensive. These units have applications in impulse radar, flash x-ray systems, high-power RF systems, and as overvoltage protection in sensitive electronics.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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