A High-Voltage High-Current Benchtop Test Stand for Solid-State Switch Testing at the SNS

Abstract

Solid-state switches already replaced thyratrons in the SNS extraction kicker power supplies, offering improved efficiency and reliability. However, recent supply chain disruptions, combined with a self-firing issue, led us to explore alternative solutions. A vendor-developed MOS-Gated Thyristor switch was introduced but ultimately failed during testing. To investigate the failure and assess possible improvements, a benchtop test stand was constructed to evaluate the performance of a single stage board. This test stand features a Pulse Forming Network (PFN) that operates at 6 kV and 6 kA, with a repetition rate exceeding 60 Hz, simulating real operational conditions. By utilizing this setup, we seek to gain a better understanding of the failure mechanisms, refine the switch designs, and ultimately develop a more reliable alternative for the extraction kicker power supplies.