US12366144 - Addressable switch with initiator detection and initiator resistance measurement

The patent describes an apparatus for detecting the status of an initiator in a perforating gun string using a combination of electrical components, including a microcontroller and a Zener diode for overvoltage protection. The system features an initiator voltage isolation switch that can be controlled by a surface command signal to manage the connection to the electrical source.

Claim 1

1. An apparatus for detecting current through an initiator in a perforating gun string comprising: an initiator coupled to an electrical source; an initiator voltage isolation switch in series with the initiator and a common ground; a current limiter in series with the initiator; a current detection circuit in series with the current limiter and is grounded to the common ground, wherein the initiator voltage isolation switch is electrically parallel with the series of the current limiter and the current detection circuit; a microcontroller configured to receive and analyze the current detection data from the current detection circuit to determine the status of the initiator; a Zener diode connected to the current detection circuit to provide overvoltage protection, wherein the initiator voltage isolation switch is a transistor, which is controlled by a surface command signal to selectively isolate or connect the initiator to the electrical source. an initiator coupled to an electrical source; an initiator voltage isolation switch in series with the initiator and a common ground; a current limiter in series with the initiator; a current detection circuit in series with the current limiter and is grounded to the common ground, wherein the initiator voltage isolation switch is electrically parallel with the series of the current limiter and the current detection circuit; a microcontroller configured to receive and analyze the current detection data from the current detection circuit to determine the status of the initiator; a Zener diode connected to the current detection circuit to provide overvoltage protection, wherein the initiator voltage isolation switch is a transistor, which is controlled by a surface command signal to selectively isolate or connect the initiator to the electrical source.

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