Theoretical Analysis and Experimental Study on an Avalanche Transistor-Based Marx Generator

• Published in: IEEE transactions on plasma science Vol. 43; no. 10; pp. 3399 - 3405
• Main Authors: Li, Jiangtao, Zhong, Xu, Li, Jianhao, Liang, Zheng, Chen, Wenzhong, Li, Zheng, Li, Tao
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: IEEE 01.10.2015
• Subjects: Avalanche breakdown; Capacitance; Capacitors; Generators; impedance matching; jitter; Marx generators; Resistance; Resistors; Switching circuits; Transistors; impedance matching; Avalanche breakdown; jitter; Marx generators
• ISSN: 0093-3813; 1939-9375
• DOI: 10.1109/TPS.2015.2436373

High-voltage, nanosecond, high-repetitive-frequency, and portable pulse generators are always required in many fields. Avalanche transistor-based Marx circuits have been widely studied to generate pulses satisfying the above requirements. However, the basic topology of an avalanche transistor-based circuit, configuration of circuit parameters, and optimal working performance (including output impedance matching) were still scarcely discussed. In this paper, the detailed process of analyzing and designing a compact Marx generator using avalanche transistors was described. Based on the conventional principles of avalanche transistors and Marx circuit, a list of useful and interesting conclusions was discovered by experiment. An example with specific parameter requirements was utilized for the clearness of illustration. The 12 cm × 4 cm Marx circuit could finally generate pulses with a 2.5-kV amplitude, 6.0-ns width, 10-kHz repetitive frequency, lower than a 100-ps jitter and ~125-kW maximum peak output power on a matched 50-Ω resistive load. The pulse amplitude could be adjusted from 1.5 to 2.5 kV and the pulse width could also be broadened. This paper may help to provide a reference to similar methods of producing high-voltage, nanosecond, and high-repetitive-frequency pulses.