Exploding Bridge Wire /EBW/ is treated as a transmission line system and pulse reflection techniques are used for checking the electrical integrity of an EBW cartridge. A step voltage is propagated into the system and the reflected voltage waves are monitored

Petrick, J. R.

English

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High Z Probe 
T-Connector
I Sync 
IP
Pulse 
Generator I- Exploding Bridge Wire (EBW) Cartridge 
December 1966	 Brief 66-10561 
NASA TECH BRIEF 
NASA Tech Briefs are issued to summarize specific innovations derived from the U.S. space program, 
to encourage their commercial application. Copies are available to the public at 15 cents each 
from the Clearinghouse for Federal Scientific and Technical Information, Springfield, Virginia 22151. 
Pulse Technique Provides More Accurate Checkout 
of Exploding Bridge Wire Device 
Sampling 
Oscilloscope 
Transmission Line 
The problem: 
To develop a more dependable method for checking 
the electrical integrity of an Exploding Bridge Wire 
(EBW) cartridge. In many exploding bridge wire 
ordnance devices there is a spark gap in series with 
the exploding bridge wire. The spark gap makes it 
difficult to check out the device. Presently there are two 
methods used to test EBW cartridges: an ac continuity 
check, and a dc spark-gap breakdown voltage and 
continuity checkout. Both of these test methods re 
attempts to validate the electrical integrity of the 
EBW cartridge, but both methods indicate only gross 
circuit parameters. 
The solution: 
Treat the EBW as a transmission line system and 
use pulse reflection techniques. Propagate a step
voltage into the system and monitor the reflected 
voltage waves. 
How it's done: 
Pulse reflection testing employs a step generator 
and an oscilloscope in a manner that is similar to a 
radar system. A voltage step is propagated into the 
test setup and the reflected waves are monitored. The 
echo technique reveals both the position and the 
nature (resistive, inductive, or capacitive) of each 
discontinuity along the system. As shown, the pulse 
reflection measuring system consists of a fast rise 
time pulse generator to drive the EBW cartridge and 
transmission line and a fast rise time oscilloscope to 
display the reflections. No complicated directional 
couplers are needed to separate the incident and 
reflected waves.
(continued overleaf) 
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the United States 
Government nor any person acting on behalf of the United States
Government assumes any liability resulting from the use of the 
information contained in this document, or warrants that such use 
will be free from privately owned rights.
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19660000559 2020-03-11T17:44:36+00:00Z
Note:	 Patent status: 
Inquiries concerning this invention should be di-
	 Inquiries about obtaining rights for the commercial 
rected to:
	 use of this invention may be made to NASA, Code 
Technology Utilization Officer	 GP, Washington, D.C. 20546. 
Headquarters	 Source: J. R. Petrick 
National Aeronautics and Space
	 of General Electric Company 
Administration	 under contract to NASA 
Washington, D.C. 20546	 (Hq-62)
Reference: B66-10561 
Brief 66-10561	 Category 01


Pulse technique provides more accurate checkout of exploding bridge wire device

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