Abstract: An initiator assembly having a base, first and second conductive elements, a first electrically insulating member and an energetic material. The first conductive element, which is configured to receive an electrical input, is coupled to the base and includes a tip. The first electrically insulating member is disposed over the tip. The second conductive element has a bridge that is disposed over the first electrically insulating member. The bridge is configured to vaporize in response to transmission of the electrical input from the tip of the first conductive element to the bridge. The energetic material is disposed over the bridge. Energy produced during vaporization of the bridge is transmitted to the energetic material to initiate at least one of a combustion event, a deflagration event and a detonation event in the energetic material. A method for operating an initiator assembly is also provided.

Abstract: An initiator assembly having a base, first and second conductive elements, a first electrically insulating member and an energetic material. The first conductive element, which is configured to receive an electrical input, is coupled to the base and includes a tip. The first electrically insulating member is disposed over the tip. The second conductive element has a bridge that is disposed over the first electrically insulating member. The bridge is configured to vaporize in response to transmission of the electrical input from the tip of the first conductive element to the bridge. The energetic material is disposed over the bridge. Energy produced during vaporization of the bridge is transmitted to the energetic material to initiate at least one of a combustion event, a deflagration event and a detonation event in the energetic material. A method for operating an initiator assembly is also provided.

Abstract: An initiator that includes a substrate, an exploding foil initiator and a first switch. The exploding foil initiator coupled to the substrate and includes a bridge and a first bridge contact. The first switch has a first contact and a first insulator. The first contact is coupled to the substrate and spaced apart from the first bridge contact by a gap. The first insulator is disposed in the gap. The first switch is operable in an actuated mode in which electrical energy transmitted between the first contact and the first bridge contact is transmitted through the first insulator.

Abstract: An initiator that includes a substrate, an exploding foil initiator and a first switch. The exploding foil initiator coupled to the substrate and includes a bridge and a first bridge contact. The first switch has a first contact and a first insulator. The first contact is coupled to the substrate and spaced apart from the first bridge contact by a gap. The first insulator is disposed in the gap. The first switch is operable in an actuated mode in which electrical energy transmitted between the first contact and the first bridge contact is transmitted through the first insulator.