High voltage nanosecond pulse generator based on avalanche transistor Marx bank circuit and linear transformer driver

Abstract

Avalanche transistor Marx bank circuits (MBCs) are widely used in high voltage repetitive nanosecond pulse generators, but problems exist with respect to increasing the output voltage due to the limited pulsed current. Accordingly, a novel topology based on an avalanche transistor MBC combined with a linear transformer driver is proposed, the latter of which exhibits advantageous stress distribution and modular structure. A four-module prototype with four units in each module is developed in the laboratory. The output characteristics are investigated by varying important parameters such as the main capacitance, the number of conducting units, the number of cascaded modules, and the trigger signal time delay. The test results verify the validity of the proposed topology. For a 50 Ω resistive load, the prototype can generate pulses with an amplitude of 10.9 kV, a rise time of 3.3 ns, and a voltage superposition efficiency of 89%. The topology proposed in this paper may help to provide a method to further improve the output performance of avalanche transistor MBCs.

Comprehensive Overview of Power Electronics Intensive Solutions for High-Voltage Pulse Generators

“…As mentioned earlier, LTD is a commonly used method to increase the pulse amplitude, making it suitable for combining with other topologies such as Marx circuit, SOS circuit, and MMC [99]- [101].…”

Heat management technology for solid‐state high voltage and high repetitive pulse generators: Towards better effects and reliability

“…Typical topology of solid-state high voltage high repetitive pulse generators: (a) The main parts of pulsed power generators, (b) Marx circuit [35][36][37], (c) linear transformer driver circuit [38,39], (d) high voltage and high repetitive pulse generating circuit based on magnetic compression circuit [40], and (e) high voltage and high repetitive pulse generating circuit based on semiconductor opening switches [41].…”

Contactless Terahertz Sensing of Ultrafast Switching in Marx Generator Based on Avalanche Transistors

“…Marx circuits are typically used to generate high-voltage pulses [1], but can also be used to significantly increase the peak current across a load [2] and include a broad variety of applications [3]- [5]. They utilize solid-state switches [6] where the switching mechanism is triggered by a voltage, exceeding the threshold, applied between the anode and cathode, or, alternatively, by the dV /dt effect, when the turn-on is initiated by a sharp voltage ramp.…”