Abstract: A timing and safe module for firing a missile that provides timed DET trir signals in response to a launch signal, a signal indicating that operating voltage is present and a signal indicating proximity to a target, as well as diagnostic signals indicating clock phasing.

Abstract: In detonator ignition circuitry, reliability is enhanced by significantly creasing the ignition energy voltage. Application of the high voltage ignition energy to the detonator is accomplished through a breakdown device which passes the ignition energy to the detonator only when the voltage thereof reaches its conductive threshold. To avoid the complications of high voltage design in the preferred embodiments, the ignition energy is stored at less than that threshold voltage and is boosted thereto when detonator ignition is desired.

Abstract: A MOS controlled thyristor is incorporated into detonator ignition circui to reduce the physical size thereof, while also providing for ignition reliability enhancement. Signals to either prevent or trigger conduction of detonator ignition energy through the MOS controlled thyristor are applied to the gate terminal thereof by at least one capacitor in the preferred embodiments. The detonator ignition energy is also delivered from at least one capacitor in those embodiments of the circuitry for use with missile warheads and shunt resistors are connected to dissipate the energy stored in all of the capacitors for safety reasons.