title: Optically isolated, 2 kHz repetition rate, 4 kV solid-state pulse trigger generator.
abstract: This paper presents the design and operation characteristics of a solid-state high voltage pulse generator. Its primary utilization is aimed at triggering a gaseous spark gap with high repeatability. Specifically, the trigger generator is designed to achieve a risetime on the order of 0.1 kV/ns to trigger the first stage, trigatron spark gap of a 10-stage, 500 kV Marx generator. The major design components are comprised of a 60 W constant current DC-DC converter for high voltage charging, a single 4 kV thyristor, a step-up pulse transformer, and magnetic switch for pulse steepening. A risetime of <30 ns and pulse magnitude of 4 kV is achieved matching the simulated performance of the design.
authors.affiliation: Center for Pulsed Power and Power Electronics, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79409, USA.
authors.forename: D H
authors.initials: DH
authors.lastname: Barnett
authors.affiliation: Center for Pulsed Power and Power Electronics, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79409, USA.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Parson
authors.affiliation: Center for Pulsed Power and Power Electronics, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79409, USA.
authors.forename: C F
authors.initials: CF
authors.lastname: Lynn
authors.affiliation: Center for Pulsed Power and Power Electronics, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79409, USA.
authors.forename: P M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Kelly
authors.affiliation: Center for Pulsed Power and Power Electronics, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79409, USA.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.affiliation: Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, 1701 W. Marshall Dr., Grand Prairie, Texas 75051, USA.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Calico
authors.affiliation: Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, 1701 W. Marshall Dr., Grand Prairie, Texas 75051, USA.
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Scott
authors.affiliation: Center for Pulsed Power and Power Electronics, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79409, USA.
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Dickens
authors.affiliation: Center for Pulsed Power and Power Electronics, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79409, USA.
authors.forename: A A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Neuber
authors.affiliation: Center for Pulsed Power and Power Electronics, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79409, USA.
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Mankowski