Nanosecond-range multi-pulses synchronization based on magnetic switch and saturable pulse transformer

Area of Science:

• Physics
• Electrical Engineering
• Pulsed Power Systems

Background:

• Magnetic switches are vital components in pulsed power systems due to their solid-state nature, high repetition rates, and extended operational lifetimes.
• Precise synchronization of multiple nanosecond (ns)-range pulses is crucial for advanced pulsed power applications.
• Existing multi-pulse synchronization techniques often rely on external high-voltage or laser triggers, which can limit performance and reliability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and propose novel methods for achieving high-accuracy synchronization of ns-range multi-pulses using magnetic switches.
• To evaluate the synchronization precision and advantages of the proposed magnetic switch-based techniques compared to conventional methods.

Main Methods:

• Development of a synchronization method utilizing multiple magnetic switches integrated onto a common magnetic core.
• Implementation of a synchronization technique employing a saturable pulse transformer for ns-range multi-pulse generation.
• Experimental validation of both proposed methods to quantify synchronization accuracy.

Main Results:

• The method using magnetic switches on a communal magnetic core demonstrated a synchronization accuracy of approximately 2 ns for three pulses.
• The saturable pulse transformer-based method achieved a synchronization accuracy of 2.5 ns for two pulses.
• Both magnetic switch-based methods exhibited high synchronization accuracy, long operational lifetimes, and independence from external trigger signals.

Conclusions:

• Magnetic switch-based techniques offer a robust and highly accurate solution for ns-range multi-pulse synchronization in pulsed power systems.
• The proposed methods provide significant advantages over traditional trigger-dependent synchronization approaches, including enhanced reliability and simplified system design.
• These findings pave the way for more efficient and precise pulsed power system operation.