Solid state high-voltage crowbar device applicable to helmet-mounted display rapid disconnection

Jim Cooper; Mark Adams; John Ardussi

doi:10.1117/12.209736

22 May 1995 Solid state high-voltage crowbar device applicable to helmet-mounted display rapid disconnection

Jim Cooper, Mark Adams, John Ardussi

Proceedings Volume 2465, Helmet- and Head-Mounted Displays and Symbology Design Requirements II; (1995) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.209736
Event: SPIE's 1995 Symposium on OE/Aerospace Sensing and Dual Use Photonics, 1995, Orlando, FL, United States

Abstract

The use of cathode ray tubes in airborne helmet mounted displays (HMD) imposes a design requirement to safely discharge high voltage potentials (up to 13 kV), upon disconnection of the helmet from the cockpit electronics. For ejection safety, the discharge of energy stored in the HMD must be both rapid and complete, requirements difficult to reliably meet using traditional vacuum spark gaps. Experiments demonstrating the problem are presented in this paper, together with an alternate circuit approach which solves the problem by using all solid state components. The device is packaged as a miniature encapsulated module to meet airborne requirements, and has completed more than 1,500 -55 degree(s)C/+85 degree(s)C thermal cycles of failure-free stress testing. A Standard Electronic Module format high voltage power supply incorporating this device was designed for the Comanche RAH-66 HMD system.

Citation Download Citation

Jim Cooper, Mark Adams, and John Ardussi "Solid state high-voltage crowbar device applicable to helmet-mounted display rapid disconnection", Proc. SPIE 2465, Helmet- and Head-Mounted Displays and Symbology Design Requirements II, (22 May 1995); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.209736

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