Inflator initiator with zener diode electrostatic discharge protector

摘要

An initiator (10) for a vehicle occupant restraint airbag system with electrostatic discharge protection to prevent inadvertent system actuation. The initiator includes a cup-shaped conducting metallic housing (12) containing pyrotechnic material closed by a sealing material (16) such as glass which either extends across an open end (14) of the housing (12) or across an annular conducting header ring (18) fitted against an inner surface of the housing (12) to encapsulate the pyrotechnic material. First and second electrodes (20, 22) extend through the sealing material (16) and are interconnected by a resistive bridge element. A surface mount type zener diode (30) has its anode electrically connected to the housing (12) and its cathode electrically connected to the second electrode (22). <IMAGE>