Design Guide: Electric Initiator

Definition:

Electric Initiator: converts electrical energy into chemical energy providing a gas or heat output.

Commonly used names include:?initiator, hot bridge wire, igniter, ignitor, detonator, squib, cartridge, or pressure cartridge.

Design Guide:

Configuration Envelope

• Output Thread Size
• Mating Connector
• Overall Length
• Total Mass
• Connector Pin Quantity
• Number of Circuits
• Pin Grounding to Body
• Ground to Cable Shielding
• Cable Definition/Shielding

Environment Capabilities

• Max Temperature
• Max Shock Levels
• Max Vibration Levels
• Acceleration Limit
• Max Storage Temperature

Electric Properties

• Insulation Resistance
• Dielectric Withstanding Voltage
• Circuit Resistance
• Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)

Ignition Considerations

• Firing Current (AC-DC)
• Constant Current
• Capacitance Discharge
• Low Voltage Ignition
• High Voltage Ignition

Performance Characteristics

• All-Fire Capability
• No-Fire Capability
• Pressure Output
• Time to Peak Pressure
• Pressure Retention Limits
• Cable/Pin Pull Strength

Common Design Criteria and Test Method Defining Documents:

Applications:

• Aircraft seat ejection
• Aircraft fire extinguishing
• Oil and gas well perforating
• Demolition
• Launch vehicles
• Satellites
• Missile and munitions
• Parachute release
• Electrical circuit breakers

For more information visit:

https://psemc.com/products/electric-initiator/