Signal transfer device

The present invention is a signal transmission system ( 10 ) that can receive a non-electric input signal such as a mechanical shock, detonation, or pyrotechnic signal at an input terminus ( 12 ), convert that signal to an electrical signal, and convey the electrical signal to at least one output terminus ( 16 a , 16 b ) at a remote location where the signal is converted to a non-electric output. To convert the non-electric input signal to an electrical signal, the input terminus ( 12 ) comprises a receiving transducer e.g., a piezoelectric, electrochemical, or photovoltaic element. The input terminus ( 12 ) is connected by transfer wiring ( 14 ) (e.g., an electrical wire harness or a flex cable) to the remote location, where it is received by the at least one output terminus ( 16 a , 16 b ) and there converted to a non-electric signal that is used for a desired function. The length of the transfer wiring ( 14 ), and therefore the distance from the input terminus ( 12 ) to the remote location, can be from less than one inch to greater than 100 feet. Optionally, the transfer wiring ( 14 ) can connect the input terminus ( 12 ) to a plurality of output termini ( 16 a , 16 b ). Also optionally, an output terminus may comprise an explosive bridge element (SCB, hot bridge-wire, exploding foil) which can be initiated by the electrical signal, and the bridge element may initiate a brisant output charge (explosive or pyrotechnic). Alternatively, the output terminus may comprise an output transducer, e.g., a piezoelectric transducer, to convert the electrical signal into a physical pulse.