Repetitive Frequency Fitch Booster Using Coupled Magnetic Switches

Diffuse discharge in atmospheric air can generate extremely high power density and large-scale non-thermal plasma. An achievable method of generating diffuse discharge is reported in this paper. Based on the resonance theory, a compact high-voltage repetitive nanosecond pulse generator (HRNPG) has been developed as discharge excitation source. The HRNPG mainly consists of repetitive charging circuit, Tesla transformer and sharpening switch. With the voltage lower than 1.0 kV, the primary repetitive charging circuit comprises two fast thyristors as low-voltage switches. A spiral Tesla transformer is designed to provide a peak transformation ratio of more than 100. The HRNPG prototype is capable of generating a pulse with over 100 kV peak voltage and ~30 ns rise-time at the repetition frequency of 500 Hz. Using the copper line electrodes with a diameter of 0.4 mm, the gaps with highly non-uniform electric field are structured. With the suitable gap spacing and applied pulse, the glow-like diffuse discharge has been generated in line-type and ring-type electrode pairs. Some typical images are presented.

Generating diffuse discharge via repetitive nanosecond pulses and line-line electrodes in atmospheric air

Liu

et al. 2013

New advances in solid-state pulse generator based on magnetic switches

Yuan

Deng

Ding

et al. 2022

Pulsed power technology is gradually forming a development trend of civil-military integration, which puts forward more requirements for pulsed power generators. This paper takes magnetic switches (MSs) as the starting point and reviews recent advancements in pulse generators based on MSs. First, the working mechanism of the MS “rapid inductance drop after magnetic core saturation” is analyzed. Second, the basic uses of MSs are introduced with specific examples, namely, magnetic compression unit, saturated pulse transformer, and magnetic delay switches. Then, the typical topologies of pulse generators based on MSs are discussed, including transmission line, Marx, Fitch, linear transformer driver, and semiconductor opening switch pumping circuits. These circuits’ technical characteristics and parameter levels are highlighted. Finally, the existing problems and future development trends of MS-based solid-state pulse generators are discussed.

Self-triggering topology for high-power nanosecond pulse generators based on avalanche transistors Marx bank circuits and linear transformer driver

Deng

Yuan

Ding

et al. 2022

In recent years, several novel avalanche transistor-based power synthesis topologies have been proposed to improve the output performance of pulse generators based on avalanche transistors. The most promising is the topology based on avalanche transistors Marx Bank Circuits (MBCs) and linear transformer driver (LTD). However, it suffers from the same problems as other semiconductor switch-based LTD generators. The greater the number of LTD modules, the higher the requirements for synchronization and drive capability of the trigger system. This paper proposes a new self-triggering topology for pulse generators based on avalanche transistors MBCs and LTD, which significantly simplifies the entire generator's requirement for trigger system synchronization and driving capability. First, the circuit topology and its operation principle are introduced. Then, three prototypes with one trigger LTD module and three self-triggering LTD modules are developed. The output characteristics are experimentally investigated. The results verify the feasibility of the proposed topology. Finally, the output amplitude and the rise time are 3.35 kV/3.7 ns, 4.12 kV/3.7 ns, and 4.88 kV/4.0 ns on a 25 Ω resistive load, respectively. All generators can operate at 1 kHz. The topology proposed in the article maximally simplifies the requirements for synchronization and drive capability of the trigger system for generators based on avalanche transistor MBCs and LTD.