NEA® 8030 Series Battery Cell Bypass Switch
Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense (EBAD)
An electrically initiated, one-shot switch designed to bypass and isolate failed battery cells, featuring Make-Before-Break functionality and available in non-autonomous and autonomous configurations.
Key figurescomparable across the catalogue
- Mass
- 0.13 kg
Normalised to common units so this product can be compared with others in its category. The supplier's own wording is below.
As published by the supplier
- Continuous Current Ratings
- 250 A
- Switch Resistance
- <200 μΩ @ 250 A
- Fuse Wire Resistance
- 0.5 to 1.6 Ω @ 25°C
- Minimum Actuation Current
- 1.2 A
- Nominal Actuation Current
- 4 Amps for 25 ms
- No-Fire Current (continuity)
- 250 mA
- Actuation Time
- <50 ms
- Make Before Break Duration
- <1 ms
- Qualification Temperature Range
- -55°C to +85°C
- Mass
- 130 g (4.59 oz)
About
The NEA® 8030 Series Battery Cell Bypass Switch is an electrically initiated, one-shot switch that bypasses and isolates failed battery cells. It consists of a spring-loaded plunger with highly conductive metal plated electrical contacts arranged in a Single-Pole, Double-Throw (SPDT) configuration, providing Make-Before-Break functionality after actuation. The plunger is restrained using patented split-spool and bridge wire technology. These switches are typically placed in series between battery cells and, when activated, bypass and isolate failed cells from the battery assembly. The design ensures no contact bounce during high dynamic loads seen during satellite launch. Make-Before-Break functionality assures no voltage dropout during switching, and low switch contact resistance ensures high continuous current carrying capability. The 8030 Series is available in non-autonomous and autonomous configurations, with some models featuring built-in Zener diodes for autonomous operation, redirecting current through the actuation fuse wire when a failed cell is detected, potentially saving costs associated with battery cell sensing and switch actuation circuitry. Key features include high reliability, long service life, low power switch resistance, lightweight design, extended operating temperature range, compatibility with pyrotechnic initiation circuitry, range safety friendliness, and space-rated materials. Factory refurbishment is also available.
Documentation
No public datasheet yet — request the datasheet / ICD from the supplier.