Marx generator

About: Marx generator is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 1276 publications have been published within this topic receiving 8970 citations.

Repetitive Frequency Marx Generator Based on Magnetic Switches and Its Application in Dielectric Barrier Discharge

Abstract: In this paper, a novel repetitive frequency steep front pulse generator is proposed. Based on the topology of a three-stage magnetic pulse compressor followed by a three-stage Marx generator, in which conventional spark gaps are replaced by magnetic switches, the generator realizes a repetitive frequency of 1 kHz, an output pulse magnitude of 17 kV, and a rise time of 80 ns. Dielectric barrier discharge driven by it has also been conducted; voltage and current waveforms along with a gas discharge image have been presented. Calculation of air gap voltage and barrier voltage, and discharge current and displacement current shows that two discharges of opposite polarity occur in one voltage pulse and the secondary discharge consumes much lower energy than the first one.

Diode-directed solid-state marx generator

Abstract: An apparatus having one or more modular stages for producing voltage and current pulses. Each module includes a diode charging means to charge a capacitive means that stores energy. One or more charging impedance means are connected to the diode charging means to provide a return current pathway. A solid-state switch discharge means, with current interruption capability, is connected to the capacitive means to discharge stored energy. Finally, a control means is provided to command the switching action of the solid-state switch discharge means.

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.

A novel drive circuit with overcurrent protection for solid state pulse generators

Abstract: In recent years, semiconductor switches have been widely used in pulse generators. In order to generate bipolar or rectangular pulses, switches in these generators operate in different time sequences. However, the dv/dt induces false triggering of the semiconductor switches that leads to local short circuits. Breakdown of the load will also produce a high short-circuit current which will affect the switches' reliability and lifetime. In this paper, a new gate drive circuit is proposed to protect switches from short-circuit currents. A 52-stage solid state Marx generator using the proposed drive circuit was tested to verify the overcurrent protection. The experimental results show that the short-circuit current is limited within a safe range and the output voltage increased significantly.

Recent advances in compact repetitive high-power Marx generators

Abstract: This paper introduces recent activities on Marx-based compact repetitive pulsed power generators at the Institute of Applied Electronics (IAE), China Academy of Engineering Physics (CAEP), over the period 2010–2018. A characteristic feature of the generators described is the use of a simplified bipolar charged Marx circuit, in which the normal isolation resistors or inductors to ground are removed to make the circuit simpler. Several pulse-forming modules developed to generate a 100 ns square wave output are introduced, including thin-film dielectric lines of different structures, a pulse-forming line based on a Printed Circuit Board, and non-uniform pulse-forming networks. A compact repetitive three-electrode spark gap switch with low-jitter, high-voltage, and high-current was developed and is used in the generators. A positive and negative series resonant constant current power supply with high precision and high power is introduced. As an important part of the repetitive pulse power generator, a lower jitter pulse trigger source is introduced. Several typical high-power repetitive pulsed power generators developed at IAE are introduced including a 30 GW low-impedance Marx generator, a compact square-wave pulse generator based on Kapton-film dielectric Blumlein line, a 20 GW high pulse-energy repetitive PFN-Marx generator, and a coaxial Marx generator based on ceramic capacitors. The research of key technologies and their development status are discussed, which can provide a reference for the future development and application of miniaturization of compact and repetitive Marx generators.