A circuit for controlling the firing of an exploding-foil pyrotechnic component including at least one capacitor and switch means, the capacitor being connected to the pyrotechnic component by an array of at least three diodes connected in series and in a direction that prevents the capacitor from discharging, the sum of the reverse voltages of these diodes being greater than the maximum voltage that can be delivered by the capacitor, the switch means including at least two field-effect transistors associated with the array of diodes.

A detonator which includes a tube with an open end, a shock tube, secured to a plug which is fixed to an open end of the tube, an electronic module inside the tube, the module including a substrate which carries electronic components, and sensing structure mounted to the substrate spaced from an opposing end of the shock tube.

A detonator includes a substrate, a controller mounted to the substrate, and a sensor coupled to the controller to measure a temperature, pressure, acceleration or other environmental parameter of the detonator. The controller is configured to transmit the measured environmental parameter from the detonator to a remote master controller, execute an action in response to a value of the measured environmental parameter, and/or prevent or modify at least one detonator function in response to the value of the measured environmental parameter.

A detonator includes a substrate, a controller mounted to the substrate, and a sensor coupled to the controller to measure a temperature, pressure, acceleration or other environmental parameter of the detonator. The controller is configured to transmit the measured environmental parameter from the detonator to a remote master controller, execute an action in response to a value of the measured environmental parameter, and/or prevent or modify at least one detonator function in response to the value of the measured environmental parameter.

A circuit for controlling the firing of an exploding-foil pyrotechnic component including at least one capacitor and switch means, the capacitor being connected to the pyrotechnic component by an array of at least three diodes connected in series and in a direction that prevents the capacitor from discharging, the sum of the reverse voltages of these diodes being greater than the maximum voltage that can be delivered by the capacitor, the switch means including at least two field-effect transistors associated with the array of diodes.

A circuit for controlling the firing of an exploding-foil pyrotechnic component including at least one capacitor and switch means, the capacitor being connected to the pyrotechnic component by an array of at least three diodes connected in series and in a direction that prevents the capacitor from discharging, the sum of the reverse voltages of these diodes being greater than the maximum voltage that can be delivered by the capacitor, the switch means including at least two field-effect transistors associated with the array of diodes.

A downhole explosive detonation comprises a high voltage electro-explosive initiator comprising an input high voltage power supply with a low impedance shunting fuse, a flexible electrical link and a capacitor discharge unit. Explosive is initiated in a direction approximately parallel, or in another version perpendicular to the capacitor discharge unit. A unique configuration and construction of the assembly allows installation through a small service port in the gun housing structure for more efficient gun arming. A real time downhole voltage monitoring is described that transmits voltage readings to the surface during a firing sequence.

A downhole explosive detonation comprises a high voltage electro-explosive initiator comprising an input high voltage power supply with a low impedance shunting fuse, a flexible electrical link and a capacitor discharge unit. Explosive is initiated in a direction approximately parallel, or in another version perpendicular to the capacitor discharge unit. A unique configuration and construction of the assembly allows installation through a small service port in the gun housing structure for more efficient gun arming. A real time downhole voltage monitoring is described that transmits voltage readings to the surface during a firing sequence.

An electronic ignition circuit for use with a fuse head may include a microcontroller, a firing capacitor operably coupled to the fuse head, a voltage measuring circuit operably coupled to the microcontroller and configured to measure a voltage across the firing capacitor, and a switch operably coupled to the microcontroller, the switch being provided in series with the fuse head and a ground. The microcontroller may be configured control the voltage measuring circuit to measure a first voltage across the firing capacitor, actuate the switch to discharge the firing capacitor across the fuse head in response to a firing signal, control the voltage measuring circuit to measure a second voltage across the firing capacitor, and output a shot detection signal based on the first voltage and the second voltage.

An electronic ignition circuit for use with a fuse head may include a microcontroller, a firing capacitor operably coupled to the fuse head, a voltage measuring circuit operably coupled to the microcontroller and configured to measure a voltage across the firing capacitor, and a switch operably coupled to the microcontroller, the switch being provided in series with the fuse head and a ground. The microcontroller may be configured control the voltage measuring circuit to measure a first voltage across the firing capacitor, actuate the switch to discharge the firing capacitor across the fuse head in response to a firing signal, control the voltage measuring circuit to measure a second voltage across the firing capacitor, and output a shot detection signal based on the first voltage and the second voltage.