Trigger Generators

 We manufacture standard, OEM, and custom trigger generators for trigatron, field-distortion, and railgap switches. For trigatrons, our standard trigger generators consist of (1) a PG-103D control unit, (2) FO-xx fiber-optic link where xx equals the length in meters, and (3) THD-series trigger head with fast trigger transformer. These items are ordered separately. Each control unit can fire up to 4 trigger heads with internally programmable delays. Operating modes include single-pulse (manual fire), external trigger, and internal oscillator for repetitive firing. TTL outputs (sync and complement sync) are available for use with external instrumentation such as an oscilloscope. A recharge command signal on the rear panel (gate) is provided for synchronizing and controlling an external constant-power charging supply. Fiber-optic cables are available in standard 10- and 20-m lengths or custom lengths by special order. Fiber-optic links eliminate the effects of electrical noise at the control unit. The trigger head consists of a trigger module and proprietary trigger transformer with interconnecting cable. When ordered with one of our trigatron switches, the trigger circuit is factory wired for your application thus affording plug-and-play operation. Special custom options are also available such as a HV power supply interface and interlock controls. Click on the links in the following table for detailed specifications.

Standard Trigger Heads for Trigatron Switches
MODEL THD-05B THD-06C THD-06HP
Max. output voltage (kV) ≥40 ≥40 ≥40
Pulse rise time (ns) ≤150 <400 <400
Pulse duration (ns) <200 <700 <700
Pulse reproducibility (%) ±3 or better ±2 or better ±2 or better
Transformer isolation (kV) 60 50 50
Internal delay (ns)* 90 ± 5 300 ± 5 300 ± 5
Max. repetition rate (pps) 10 50 200 (500 burst)
Trigger input Fiber-optic Fiber-optic Fiber-optic
Optional trigger input None Electrical Electrical
Nominal input voltage Internal Li-ion
battery with
external charger 		100-240 VAC
50/60 Hz
15 VA 		100-240 VAC
50/60 Hz
80 VA
Dimensions (in) [cm]
height x width x depth 		4.12 x 6.48 x 10.32
[10.5 x 16.5 x 26.2] 		3.39 x 6.03 x 7.67
[8.6 x 15.3 x 19.5] 		3.39 x 6.03 x 7.67
[8.6 x 15.3 x 19.5]
Trigger transformer Internal External External
Shipping weight (lbs) [kg] 7 [3] 6 [3] 7 [3]
Typical lead time
(weeks after order) 		4-6 2-4 4-9
*Defined as the time difference between the leading edge of the optical trigger pulse and 10% of Vmax.


Model THD-05B battery powered trigger generator.


Model PG-103D control unit, FO-10 fiber cable, and THD-06C trigger head with transformer and coaxial cable.
The exterior appearance of the high-power model THD-06HP trigger head is identical.


Triggering requirements for field-distortion and railgap switches are more demanding, requiring higher peak voltages, much faster rise times, and greater precision as defined by the jitter. Specifically, these switches usually require a peak voltage that is 80-100% of the voltage across the main gap, a rise time >10 kV/ns, and a one-sigma jitter <5 ns. Our trigger generators employ a solid-state front end that drives a compact Marx configuration; no difficult-to-source and maintenance-prone components, such as thyratrons or krytrons, are used. Each system consists of a control console, umbilical cable, trigger generator, and coaxial output cable. The HV power supply used for charging is purchased separately. One HV power supply can be configured to charge multiple TG-series trigger generators. We offer two models as follows:

Trigger Generators for Field-Distortion and Railgap Switches
MODEL TG-102 TG-103B
Max. output voltage (kV) 120 120
Output polarity [factory set] P or N P or N
Pulse rise time (ns) <3 <4
Pulse reproducibility (%) ± 2 or better ± 2 or better
One sigma jitter (ns) <2.5 <3.5
Max. repetition rate (pps) 1 0.1
Max. stored energy (J) 4.8 19.2
Output cable [6 m] DS-2121 or
DS-2196 		RG-218/U
RG-220/U (optional)
Trigger input Fiber-optic
or +5 V pulse 		Fiber-optic
or +5 V pulse
Gas pressure supply (kPa)
[ultra-dry or synthetic air] 		1000 1000
Nominal input voltage
[control console] 		100-240 VAC
50/60 Hz
1.5 A (max.) 		100-240 VAC
50/60 Hz
1.5 A (max.)
TG dimensions (in) [cm]
diameter x length,
not including cradle 		6.00 x 12.1
[15.2 x 30.8] 		9.25 x 18.3
[23.5 x 46.5]
Control console, rack mount 5U (7" height) 5U (7" height)
Shipping weight (lbs) [kg] 62 [28] 103 [47]


Model TG-102 trigger generator.


Model TG-103B trigger generator.

Pricing for standard trigger generators may be obtained from the links given on our Sales page. Specifications are subject to change without notice. Inquiries for additional product information are welcome!


Last revision: Mon, 02 Oct 2023 15:00:27 +0000