A compact high-voltage pulse generator based on pulse transformer with closed magnetic core

Area of Science:

• Electrical Engineering
• Pulsed Power Systems

Background:

• High-voltage nanosecond pulse generation is critical for various applications.
• Existing pulse generators often face challenges with size and performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a compact and efficient high-voltage nanosecond pulse generator.
• To introduce an innovative design featuring a miniaturized pulse transformer and a curled strip pulse forming line (PFL).

Main Methods:

• The generator utilizes a pulse transformer with a closed magnetic core, a curled parallel strip PFL, a spark gap, and a matched load.
• Novel transformer winding structures and a three-copper-strip PFL design were implemented to enhance insulation and minimize capacitance.
• Performance was evaluated under different load conditions (3.5 ohm and 50 ohm).

Main Results:

• The pulse transformer charged the PFL to 165 kV.
• A 3.5 ohm load delivered a 9 ns pulse with 84 kV amplitude and 5.1 ns rise time.
• A 50 ohm load produced a 165 kV peak voltage with a 68 ns FWHM and 6.5 ns rise time.

Conclusions:

• The developed compact pulse generator demonstrates high-voltage nanosecond pulse output capabilities.
• The innovative design of the transformer and PFL contributes to improved performance and compactness.
• The generator is suitable for applications requiring high-voltage, short-duration pulses.