A Compact Modular 5 GW Pulse PFN-Marx Generator for Driving HPM Source

A compact and modular pulse forming network (PFN)-Marx generator with output parameters of 5 GW, 500 kV, and 30 Hz repetition is designed and constructed to produce intense electron beams for the purpose of high-power microwave (HPM) generation in the paper. The PFN-Marx is composed by 22 stages of PFN modules, and each module is formed by three mica capacitors (6 nF/50 kV) connected in parallel. Benefiting from the utilization of mica capacitors with high energy density and a mini-trigger source integrated into the magnetic transformer and the magnetic switch, the compactness of the PFN-Marx system is improved significantly. The structure of the PFN module, the gas switch unit, and the connection between PFN modules and switches are well designed for modular realization. Experimental results show that this generator can deliver electrical pulses with the pulse width of 100 ns and amplitude of 500 kV on a 59-ohm water load at a repetition rate of 30 Hz in burst mode. The PFN-Marx generator is fitted into a cuboid stainless steel case with the length of 80 cm. The ratio of storage energy to volume and the ratio of power to weight of the PFN-Marx generator are calculated to be 6.5 J/L and 90 MW/kg, respectively. Furthermore, utilizing the generator to drive the transit time oscillator (TTO) at a voltage level of 450 kV, a 100 MW microwave pulse with the pulse width of 20 ns is generated.

A High-Power Pulse Generator Based on Pulse Forming Network and Linear Transformer

With the development of high-power microwave technology, the output power of the pulse generator is required more and more higher. In this paper, it is realized by increasing the output power of the module while the output impedance of the module changes little. The module of the generator is based on pulse forming network (PFN) and linear transformer (LT). Four Blumlein PFNs with arc-type configuration and 24 Ω characteristic impedance were connected symmetrically to the primary coil of the LTD and driven by two identical laser triggered spark switches to ensure four Blumlein PFNs synchronizing operation. On this basis, a two-stage high-power pulse generator based on PFN-LT is developed. The following technical parameters of the generator were achieved on a 12 Ω high-power solid resistor: output voltage amplitude of ∼250 kV and output power of ∼5.2 GW at a repetition rate of 5 Hz.

Development and testing of a three-section pulse-forming network and its application to Marx circuit

A three-section pulse forming network (PFN) based on Guillemin type-C circuit was developed to meet the challenge of a compact design, high withstand voltage, and high-quality output waveform with fast rise time, flat-top duration, and 100-ns pulse width. A simplified pulse forming circuit was proposed and studied that includes only three LC-sections connected in parallel, with each section containing an inductor and a capacitor connected in series. The effect of the capacitance deviation on the output waveform was investigated. The simulation results show that when the capacitance deviation exceeds +3%, both the flat top and fall time of the output waveform of single PFN module deteriorate greatly. Fortunately, in a multi-stage PFN-Marx circuit, even if the capacitance deviation exceeds +10%, when the average capacitance of the same LC sections is close to the theoretical value, the output waveform maintains a good quality and is in good agreement with the theoretical prediction. The compact three-section PFN developed during this project has a size of only 360 mm × 342 mm × 65 mm, and a maximum withstand voltage of 120 kV. Sixteen PFN stages were assembled to form a Marx generator with design parameters to provide of an output peak power of 12 GW and a maximum peak current of 15 kA. The tested output waveform agrees well with the theoretical results, having a rise time of 31 ns, a flat-top of 104 ns, and a pulse with of 164 ns.

Design and Development of High Current Pulse Shaping Inductor Based on Bitter Magnet Configuration for Electro Magnetic Launcher

A unique pulse shaping inductor was designed and developed using a modified Bitter magnet configuration, to operate at peak current of 150 kA for duration of 5-10 ms in a Pulse Forming Network (PFN). The inductor was designed with a stack of parallel copper plates in the form of circular discs with a central hole, with GRP insulation plates in between. The design is optimized by electromagnetic finite element techniques for inductance and structural stability. The conducting discs and insulators are clamped together with tie rods between two endplates to provide adequate contact pressure and sufficient mechanical support. The conducting, inter connecting and insulating components were modeled and optimised parametrically for the desired performance and structural integrity. The device was fabricated, assembled and tested with 24 bitter plates for 28 µH inductance. The inductor was integrated with 400 kJ capacitor bank module and tested under static and dynamic condition. Current pulse of peak above 100 kA was generated, with consistent arc-free performance, high reliability and structural stability.