High voltage solid state switched Vector Inversion Generator for HPM applications

For most repetitive pulsed power applications, a highly reliable power conditioning system is essential. Its function is to take the prime power source and format it to the input parameters of the load that usually needs both high voltage and current. The Vector Inversion Generator, VIG, is a device that takes electrostatically stored energy and converts it into a high-power, fast-rising electromagnetic pulse in essentially a one-component, one-step process. For many applications, VIG technology can effectively eliminate the need for multi-switching schemes and discrete capacitive storage elements. Results of our efforts to produce a solid state switched, VIG capable of higher current and higher dI/dt for applications at high repetition rate and at modest energies are discussed. VIG design methodology that determines the maximum value of both I and dI/dt that a switch will see as a function of line length and line impedance are presented. Results of tests on a solid state switch designed specifically for high dI/dt applications is presented analyzed in terms of limits on solid state switching for high repetition rate applications.