Modular pulsed power supply for characterization of high-power microwave devices

Area of Science:

• Electrical Engineering
• Pulsed Power Systems
• Microwave Engineering

Background:

• High-voltage pulse power systems (HV-PPS) are critical for characterizing microwave tubes and various industrial applications.
• Existing systems may lack the modularity, versatility, and precise control required for advanced testing.
• Digital control offers enhanced resolution and protection capabilities for pulse generation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design, simulate, and implement a modular and versatile HV-PPS for microwave device characterization.
• To develop a microcontroller-based digitally controlled pulse generation unit for precise trigger control.
• To validate the system's performance through experimental testing.

Main Methods:

• Design and simulation of a modular HV-PPS architecture.
• Development of a microcontroller-based digital pulse generation unit for controlling HV switching modules.
• Construction and testing of an experimental prototype with ten series-connected HV modules.
• Characterization of the system's output on a resistive load and a 5 GHz klystron tube.

Main Results:

• A functional prototype HV-PPS was successfully implemented.
• The system achieved a 25 kV pulsed output voltage.
• The digitally controlled pulse generation unit demonstrated precise control over pulse width (10-100 µs) and pulse repetition frequency (100-1000 Hz).
• Experimental results validated the system's performance with a resistive load and a klystron tube.

Conclusions:

• The developed modular HV-PPS is a robust and reliable solution for microwave device characterization.
• The digital control unit enhances operational flexibility, precision, and system protection.
• The successful experimental validation confirms the system's suitability for demanding high-voltage pulse applications.