High voltage switches

[MarkJC]

I'm working on a project where I need to be able to implement a switch capable of turning ON/OFF current flow in a high voltage circuit using a very small base voltage.

The current flow that I need to control will be between 500V-2000V (~10-15mA current) and the base voltage that I would like to control that flow with will be only 3.3V (10-20mA current).

I've come across two components I could use as switches - an NPN transistor or a solid state relay. Problem is, most of these seem to only be for low voltage applications. And in the case of NPN, I can't find one that has acceptable emitter-base and collector-base voltage limits. Can you recommend or point me to a source for components that might work for this project?

 

[FvM]

You didn't mention the intended switching speed. I fear you won't find a single switching component for the intended voltage range except for a high voltage relay. But it usually won't work with 30 mW drive power. Transistor switches most likely have to be cascaded, requiring also a higher drive power for opto-couplers or other kinds of isolators. Up to 1200 V is a ususal voltage range for TV deflection transistors and small IGBTs.

 

[MarkJC]

If I was to go the relay route, any thoughts on what the best way to increase the drive power to the gate would be in the circuit?