Compact and portable, repetitive high peak power generator for an ultra-wideband source

• Published in: 2010 IEEE International Power Modulator and High Voltage Conference pp. 349 - 352
• Main Authors: Cassany, B., Cadilhon, B., Modin, P., Pecastaing, L., Rivaletto, M., de Ferron, A. Silvestre
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: IEEE 01.05.2010
• Subjects: Batteries; DC-DC power converters; Generators; Modulation; pulse forming line; Pulsed power technology; rapid charging; repetitive Marx generator; Spark gaps; Ultra wideband technology; Voltage control
• ISBN: 1424471311; 9781424471317
• ISSN: 1930-885X; 2576-7283
• DOI: 10.1109/IPMHVC.2010.5958365

The development of an autonomous, repetitive, pulsed power generator is presented. This work is a coordinate effort between CEA, Pau University and Technix to develop a tightly integrated unit, including a battery pack, an intermediate dc/dc converter, a high voltage dc/dc converter, the control system and a high PRF Marx generator. Pau University has designed the Marx generator. They have built a 170 mm diameter, 330 mm length Marx generator capable of delivering 200 kV pulses into 50 Ω impedance with tens nanosecond rise times and a 100 Hz repetition rate, enabling it to drive a pulse forming line and peaking switches. The French Atomic Energy Commission has worked closely with the French company Technix in developing a rapid charging power supply to meet stringent package constraints and still permit high pulse repetition rates. This system has already demonstrated the ability to charge, from DC battery power, a 5 nF capacitance up to 50 kV in 5 ms in a burst of one thousand pulses with 100 Hz repetition rate, delivering a peak power of 3.2 kW. The autonomy is more than 35000 shots or 35 bursts. This generator is equipped with a microcontroller which is remote at a distance up to 75 m with an optical fiber interface. Details of this repetitive peak power generator are presented in this paper. Results of preliminary tests are also included.