A Repetitive Solid State Marx-Type Pulsed Power Generator Using Multistage Switch-Capacitor Cells

This paper reports on the novel development of a fully solid state Marx-type circuit to achieve output voltage pulses with adjustable voltage levels, pulse width, and frequency using a series connection of half-bridge or full-bridge switch-capacitor cells (SCC). Modularity of the circuit allows independent control of each SCC, resulting in more freedom to control the pulsed power parameters. A 3-kW laboratory prototype of the proposed generator topology was implemented using 1700-V insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) and a 1-kV power supply. The SCC unit circuit board is stacked to increase the maximum output voltage. The control unit for the output pulse parameters was performed using an field-programmable gate array unit.