Regulator mode and master-slave series operation of the crossatron switch

Operation of crossatron modulator switches has been demonstrated in the linear regime for regulator and power-amplifier applications. In a grounded-grid circuit, the anode circuit was controlled for a fixed anode voltage by varying the discharge current between the control grid and cathode. Depending on the load circuit, the anode voltage may also be controlled by applying a low-voltage (<1 kV) cathode signal. This master-slave operation of two crossatron switches was also demonstrated. A simple model of the crossatron-switch regulator performance has been developed that matches the experimental curves of anode current versus cathode (drive) current for a fixed anode voltage. This model has been used to predict the performance of a five-stage, 250 kV Marx-bank modulator using a master-slave arrangement of five crossatron switches rated at 50 kV