Characterization of a 50 J linear transformer driver

A detailed characterization of a 50 J linear transformer driver (LTD) stage is presented. The specific goal of the design is to achieve energy densities superior to typical Marx generators, such as a 500 J compact Marx generator previously designed and built at Texas Tech's Pulsed Power lab [1]. Experimental and analytical techniques for determining circuit elements and especially parasitic elements were used, yielding the magnetizing, primary and secondary leakage inductances associated with the transformer, core saturation effects, parasitic capacitances, the inductance of the pulse discharge circuit, and losses in both copper and the deltamax core. The investigations into these characteristics were carried out using both sinusoidal excitation from 1 kHz to 20 Mhz, and pulsed excitation with rise times down to 5 ns. Pulse amplitudes were varied to cover both the linear and saturation regimes of the core. Distributed parasitic capacitances and the inductance of the pulse discharge circuit were estimated analytically and compared with experimental results. This work was carried out to seek an ideal arrangement of the capacitors and switches on the LTD stage and gain a better basic understanding of fast rise time pulse transformers. Adjustments to the 50 J stage are proposed based on this characterization in order to optimize a future ten stage, 500 J assembly.