High-Energy Devices – Mica Capacitors and Spark Gaps

Performance

Mica capacitor voltage ratings from 3kVDC to 13,000 VDC for diverse applications
Spark gap and gas discharge tubes for triggered and overvoltage protection switching
Hermetically sealed ceramic-to-metal brazed construction for maximum reliability
Nanosecond response time switching capability for precision timing applications
Repetitive firing rated up to thousands of cycles per operational mission
Temperature range -55°C to 125°C with stable performance across altitude extremes

Benefits

Mission-critical fail-safe switching for ordnance and safety systems
Exceptional dielectric stability with minimal capacitance drift over service life
Proven reliability in high-vibration, high-acceleration aerospace environments
Rapid response and precise timing for complex system sequencing
Reduced size and weight compared to electrolytic alternatives
AS9100D and ISO 9001:2015 certified manufacturing processes

Applications

Electronic safe and arm devices for ordnance and munitions systems
Triggered vacuum switches for high voltage pulse generation
Energy storage in high reliability power supply applications
Spark gap overvoltage protection in sensitive electronic systems
Capacitor discharge unit (CDU) detonator initiation circuits
Missile guidance, targeting, and avionics systems

High Energy Devices

Teledyne Reynolds UK supplies high energy devices engineered for demanding aerospace, defence and industrial pulsed-power applications. Our portfolio focuses on reliable energy storage and fast, repeatable discharge performance, where electrical stress, temperature variation and long service life are non-negotiable. Product families include High Voltage Mica Capacitors and Spark Gaps, supporting systems that need stable capacitance, high insulation resistance and controlled switching at elevated voltages.

High energy devices are typically selected to manage or release energy in a predictable way, whether that’s smoothing and storing energy in high-voltage power supplies or delivering a rapid pulse into a load. Reynolds UK designs and manufactures these components with attention to insulation systems, electrode geometry, creepage/clearance and robust packaging—helping you reduce risk, improve repeatability and simplify qualification for harsh environments.

Products

High Voltage Mica Capacitors

High voltage mica capacitors are chosen when stability and reliability matter as much as voltage handling. Mica dielectric construction provides excellent electrical characteristics for high-voltage energy storage, pulse forming and snubber networks. These capacitors are often used where tight performance over time, low losses and consistent behaviour across operating conditions are required.

Applications: pulsed power, radar modulators, HV power supplies, pulse forming networks, ignition and trigger circuits
Why mica: stable dielectric behaviour, reliable insulation performance and repeatable electrical characteristics
Design support: guidance on voltage derating, ripple/pulse stress and mechanical mounting considerations

Spark Gaps

Spark gaps provide controlled switching and surge protection by conducting when a defined breakdown condition is reached. They are commonly used to protect sensitive electronics from overvoltage events or to create fast discharge paths in pulse systems. Reynolds UK spark gaps are designed for consistent triggering behaviour and dependable performance across challenging electrical environments.

Applications: surge protection, pulse discharge, triggering networks, overvoltage clamping and energy diversion
Performance focus: repeatable breakdown characteristics, robust construction and reliable switching behaviour
Integration: support for selecting ratings based on expected surges, repetition rate and system safety margins

Selection guidance

To specify the right high energy device, start with the electrical and environmental envelope, then validate mechanical and compliance needs. If you share your operating voltage, pulse shape, repetition rate and ambient conditions, we can help narrow the options quickly.

Voltage: consider maximum working voltage, transient events and appropriate derating
Pulse duty: pulse width, peak current, repetition rate and expected life cycles
Environment: temperature range, vibration/shock, humidity and contamination risk
Packaging: creepage/clearance, mounting, terminations and insulation coordination

Why Teledyne Reynolds UK

UK-based manufacturing and engineering support for high-reliability programmes
Proven designs for high-voltage and pulsed-power environments
Support for qualification, documentation and long-term programme continuity

Related links: High Energy Devices category | Reynolds UK overview

Frequently Asked Questions

1) What are “high energy devices” in the context of Reynolds UK products?

High energy devices are components designed to store, manage or rapidly release electrical energy at elevated voltages. In the Reynolds UK range, this typically includes high voltage mica capacitors (energy storage/stability) and spark gaps (controlled switching and overvoltage protection).

2) When should I choose a high voltage mica capacitor?

Choose a high voltage mica capacitor when your circuit needs stable capacitance and reliable insulation performance under high-voltage stress, especially in pulsed-power, modulator, snubber or pulse forming applications where repeatability and long service life are important.

3) What’s the difference between a capacitor used for DC HV supplies and one used for pulsed power?

Pulsed-power applications often stress a capacitor differently—peak currents, pulse rise times and repetition rate can drive heating and electrical stress beyond simple DC ratings. For pulsed power, you’ll typically evaluate pulse shape, peak current, repetition rate and life cycles in addition to the working voltage.

4) What does a spark gap do in a high-voltage system?

A spark gap acts as a switch or protective element. It stays non-conductive until the breakdown condition is reached, then conducts to clamp a surge or create a rapid discharge path. This helps protect downstream electronics or shape pulse discharge behaviour.

5) How do I select the right spark gap rating?

Start with the maximum steady-state voltage, expected transient/surge levels, repetition rate and environmental conditions. It’s also important to consider safety margins, insulation coordination and how the spark gap will be mounted to maintain creepage/clearance in your assembly.

6) Do I need to derate high-voltage components?

In many high-reliability designs, yes. Derating helps account for transients, tolerances, ageing and environmental factors. The appropriate derating depends on the application (DC vs pulse), insulation requirements and programme standards.

7) What information should I provide to get a recommendation quickly?

Provide operating voltage (including transients), pulse shape/width and repetition rate (if applicable), target capacitance or switching requirement, temperature range, and any mechanical constraints. If you have a block diagram or timing waveform, that’s often enough to shortlist options.

8) Are these products suitable for aerospace and defence applications?

Reynolds UK high energy devices are designed with high-reliability environments in mind, including demanding electrical stress and programme documentation needs. Suitability for a specific programme depends on your qualification requirements and application conditions.