Computer simulation of a pulse-forming network

Computer simulation allowed research scientists at TRIUMF to achieve the tightest specification to date for a pulse-forming network (PFN). The 66 kV PFN, designed for use by CERN has a measured ripple in the flattop of only /spl plusmn/3%. This is a much flatter pulse than the /spl plusmn/1% ripple that was previously state of the art for these devices. The TRIUMF researchers attribute their ability to achieve this level of performance to using precise computer simulation in the design of the pulse-forming network rather than traditional calculations and mechanical tuning by trial and error. Electromagnetic simulation made it possible to determine a single frequency that could be used to determine the ideal circuit parameters needed to achieve the desired flattop of the pulse. Once the researchers had that information, they were able to optimize the design of the PIN to produce the desired pulse shape. The researchers then used electromagnetic simulation to evaluate the geometry of the pulse-forming network's coil to specify precise manufacturing tolerances.