Design of A, B, and C Pulse Forming Networks Using the VINPFN Application

A set of MATLAB scripts are presented for transient modeling of voltage-fed pulse-forming networks (PFNs). The VINPFN program has been written to design and simulate PFNs connected to loads that can be described as resistive or inductive. The application allows for free variation of network parameters and includes some simple optimization routines. The implementation of Guillemin voltage-fed Type A, B, and C PFN network models are described and the calculated waveform from a Type B PFN is compared to experimental data. The VINPFN program has been employed to investigate PFN generator designs for pulsed-power applications at the Max-Planck VINETA facility. The scripts are available online.