New Repetitive Bipolar Solid-State Marx Type Modulator

A broad circuit topology for bipolar or unipolar high-voltage repetitive pulse power applications is proposed. This circuit constitutes a merging version of the negative and positive solid-state Marx modulator concepts, which take advantage of the intensive use of semiconductor devices to increase the performance of the classic circuit. The flexibility of the proposed modular circuit enables the operation with negative and/or positive pulses, with different duty cycles, frequencies and relaxation times between the positive and negative pulse. Additionally, the switching topology enables the discharge of the parasitic capacitances after each pulse, allowing the use of capacitive loads. A 60 kW peak power laboratory prototype was assembled with four stages, using 1200 V IGBTs and diodes, operating with 1000 V dc input voltage and 2 kHz frequency, giving 4 kV / 15 A bipolar pulses, with 5 mus pulse width and 5 mus relaxation time into a resistive load.