Tradeoffs in single stage drift step recovery diode generator design

Area of Science:

• High-voltage engineering
• Pulsed power systems
• Semiconductor device physics

Background:

• Nanosecond pulse generation is critical for various applications.
• Drift step recovery diodes (DSRDs) offer potential as efficient opening switches.
• Optimizing DSRD performance requires careful consideration of circuit parameters.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and investigate a high-voltage nanosecond pulse generator using DSRDs.
• To study the impact of circuit parameter matching on DSRD generator output.
• To analyze the dynamic impedance of DSRDs and their dependence on the driving circuit.

Main Methods:

• Development of a high-voltage generator employing DSRDs as opening switches.
• Empirical studies focused on output metrics and circuit parameter optimization.
• Investigation of DSRD dynamic impedance by varying series-connected DSRDs.
• Analysis of DSRD performance with varying storage inductance and pumping times.

Main Results:

• Optimization of the driving circuit significantly reduces losses and improves pulse compression.
• Varying the number of series DSRDs influences dynamic impedance and overall performance.
• Larger storage inductances and longer pumping times were found to limit pulse compression capabilities.
• The study identified key factors for efficient DSRD generator operation.

Conclusions:

• Matching the reverse current loop parameters and DSRD to the load is essential for optimal performance.
• Driving circuit optimization is paramount for minimizing energy losses in DSRD generators.
• Single-stage DSRD generators have limitations in pulse compression, influenced by inductance and pumping time.