Modeling Non-linear Pulsed Power Component Behaviors

Nonlinear resistances occur in several different pulsed power applications. In the SPICE circuit simulation code family, dependent voltage and current sources can be used to model these varying resistorsl. Two problems of particular interest are a current- dependent load resistance, simulating plasma loads, -and an action- dependent resistance, simulating high-voltage fuses. The current- dependent load resistance has been modeled using two current- controlled voltage sources. Two sources are required because the rising and falling portions of the load current waveform follow two different R(l) profiles. High-voltage fuses have been modeled using an action-dependent resistance. The manufacturer´s data for the fuse resistance as a function of action is input into a table that is used to define the fuse resistance. This paper describes the development of the technique of modeling varying resistances with dependent sources.