Title :
Pulse power applications of silicon diodes in EML capacitive pulsers
Author :
Dethlefsen, Rolf ; McNab, Ian ; Dobbie, Clyde ; Bernhardt, Tom ; Puterbaugh, Robert ; LeVine, Frank ; Coradeschi, Tom ; Rinaldi, Vito
Author_Institution :
Maxwell Laboratories Inc., San Diego, CA, USA
fDate :
1/1/1993 12:00:00 AM
Abstract :
Crowbar diodes are used for increasing the energy transfer from capacitive pulse forming networks. They also prevent voltage reversal on the energy storage capacitors. 52 mm diameter diodes with a 5 kV reverse blocking voltage, rated 40 kA, were successfully used for the 32 MJ SSG (single shot gun) railgun. An uprated diode with increased current capability and a 15 kV reverse blocking voltage has been developed. Transient thermal analysis has predicted the current ratings for different pulse lengths. Analysis verification is obtained from destructive testing
Keywords :
capacitor storage; electromagnetic launchers; power capacitors; power supplies to apparatus; pulse generators; pulsed power technology; semiconductor diodes; switchgear; 15 kV; 32 MJ; 40 kA; 5 kV; 52 mm; EM launchers; Si; applications; capacitive pulsers; crowbar diodes; current ratings; destructive testing; energy storage; energy transfer; power capacitors; pulse forming networks; pulse lengths; pulsed power technology; railgun; reverse blocking voltage; semiconductor switches; single shot gun; switchgear; thermal analysis; voltage reversal; Diodes; Energy exchange; Energy storage; Inductance; Pulse shaping methods; Silicon; Switched capacitor circuits; Switches; Switching circuits; Voltage;
Journal_Title :
Magnetics, IEEE Transactions on
