Abstract
The performance of an all solid-state linear transformer driver (LTD) is evaluated based on experimentally verified behavior of a single stage. The single-stage LTD utilizes a low-profile design with robust thyristor switches and high-energy-density mica capacitors to minimize overall system inductance. Subnanosecond jitter is achieved with simultaneous thyristor triggering. The stage is magnetically coupled to a secondary winding through a central nanocrystalline core. A dc current source, decoupled with a large inductance, actively resets the core between pulses. The overall result is a low-impedance ( <1Ω per stage) pulse generator that rivals the performance of traditional Marx systems with the improved reliability, increased lifetime, and fast rep-rate capabilities of solid-state switches. The stage is tested with charging voltages up to 8 kV into various loads and compared with simulations based on an analog behavioral thyristor switch model previously developed at Texas Tech University. The simulation is expanded into a full-scale, multistage LTD simulation and compared with a previously constructed Marx generator.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 7949116 |
| Pages (from-to) | 1755-1761 |
| Number of pages | 7 |
| Journal | IEEE Transactions on Plasma Science |
| Volume | 45 |
| Issue number | 7 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Jul 2017 |
Keywords
- Magnetic cores
- pulse generation
- pulse power systems
- thyristors