A high voltage firing unit may comprise a high voltage converter, a capacitive discharge unit, and a control unit. The high voltage converter may be configured to generate a high voltage output signal from a lower voltage input signal. The capacitive discharge unit may be configured to store energy from the high voltage output signal across an energy storage device, and to discharge energy from the energy storage device in response to a fire control signal. The control unit operably may be configured to communicate with an external ordnance controller and control internal operations of the high voltage firing unit. An ordnance system, may comprise a high voltage firing unit and an ordnance controller configured to communicate data with the control unit and at least one power signal to the high voltage converter. A method for operating a high voltage firing unit is also disclosed.