Design and performance of an ultra-compact 1.8-kJ, 600-kV pulsed power system

A new, high-energy-density Marx generator has been developed for High Power Microwave (HPM) applications. The generator (P/N: MG30-3C-100NF) has been shown to deliver 5 GW to a 25 Ohm load with a peak pulse voltage of 300 kV. A modular close-packing geometry combined with mica-film capacitor technology results in a 1.8 kJ energy storage capacity in a 20 in. diameter × 45 in. cylindrical vessel. The compact architecture accomplishes a high energy per pulse, but also facilitates a relatively low inductance of the system which is characterized by a 90 ns voltage risetime when discharged into a matched resistive load. The system includes an EMI-hardened power electronics suite which includes a solid-state trigger generator, compact HVPS, and a digital pressure regulator. The system requires only pressurized dry air for insulation, operates on an internal prime-power battery pack and is controlled via a fiber-optic remote for ease of use on remote platforms. The system design and pulse characteristics are presented in this paper.