High Power, High Frequency Modulators For Physics Research Applications

This paper considers the principle features of two novel modulators developed by the University of Nottingham for high energy physics research applications. The first modulator is intended for long pulse applications and is based on modulation of a multi-phase resonant power supply fed by an active rectifier. The second modulator is intended for CW applications and is based on modulation of a single phase resonant tank directly from grid voltages through the use of Direct (Matrix) Converter topology, thereby removing bulky energy storage within the converter. Both modulators utilise high frequency resonant circuits and transformers to minimise energy storage, the size of the input and output filters and the size of the converters. The advantages of both converters are discussed.