Solid State Switching With MOSFETs

In this guide we eliminate the disadvantages of mechanical contact switching through the use of solid state switching via MOSFETs.

Introduction:

The key innovation of the Automatic Electric Gun is the introduction of an electrically powered firing mechanism, simultaneously improving superficial realism and reducing the cost of ownership of airsoft guns. Although the use of electricity as an energy source is arguably a step forward in the evolution of the AEG, Tokyo Marui nevertheless decided to stay with a completely mechanical fire control mechanism, employing open contacts at the trigger and selector plate to switch the main conduction path. While there are certainly quantifiable production cost advantages to such a design, there are also decided disadvantages especially when higher voltage sources are used. In this guide, we present one solution to the disadvantages of open contact switches by using solid state switching via metal-oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs), and show a measureable improvement in rate of fire resulting from the modification.