Trigger Coil
author: hotach
2025-02-11
The process pertaining to the initial ionization inside a xenon flash lamp is formally referred to as "triggering". This procedure involves creating a substantial voltage gradient in the gas to initiate ionization of the lamp. Trigger coils, also referred to as trigger transformers, are often employed in flash applications to generate high-voltage, short-duration pulses, generally lasting only a few microseconds or less. Our esteemed organization provides an extensive range of trigger coils, featuring varied sizes and high voltage output capacities, catered towards external and series trigger lights. These trigger coils are available in several configurations and are also suitable for surface-mount technology (SMT) assembly.
The trigger wire comes out from the cathode side of the xenon lamp. The coil generally uses positive triggering
Related Article

f you have reviewed xenon flash lamp datasheets, you may have noticed two different trigger voltage specifications:
Min. trigger voltage: 150V
Secondary trigger voltage: 6KV (or higher)
At first glance, these numbers seem contradictory. Why would the same lamp require both 150V and 6KV to trigger? The answer lies in how a flash system works
Min. trigger voltage: 150V
Secondary trigger voltage: 6KV (or higher)
At first glance, these numbers seem contradictory. Why would the same lamp require both 150V and 6KV to trigger? The answer lies in how a flash system works
Why Do Xenon Flash Lamp Datasheets Show 150V and 6KV Trigger Voltage?

A xenon flash lamp requires a high‑voltage trigger pulse to ionize the gas and initiate the main discharge. This pulse is generated by a trigger coil, which steps up a low‑voltage primary pulse to several kilovolts on the secondary side.
But what if the datasheet only gives a single nominal value for the primary? This article explains the minimum reliable voltage, maximum continuous voltage, and peak limits for trigger coils used with all xenon flash lamps.
But what if the datasheet only gives a single nominal value for the primary? This article explains the minimum reliable voltage, maximum continuous voltage, and peak limits for trigger coils used with all xenon flash lamps.
Trigger Coil Primary Voltage: Safe Min, Max, and Recommended Operating Range

If you're in the HVAC industry and work with products like boilers or furnaces, you've likely encountered the term "trigger coil." But what exactly is it, and why is this component so critical to the operation of your heating systems? This article delves into how trigger coils function as the heart of the electronic ignition system in many HVAC products.
Trigger Coil in HVAC: The Essential Spark for Your Boiler's Ignition System