Transformer-less Driving Circuit for Semiconductor Opening Switch Using Transient Voltage Suppressor Diodes

Solid-state pulsed power generators based on custom fabricated semiconductor opening switches (SOS) produce high-voltage pulses with extremely fast rise times and short durations. It has been demonstrated that off-the-shelf diodes can be operated in the SOS mode by utilizing excitation circuits based on either a bulky saturating pulse transformer or dual DC power supplies. In this paper, a novel alternative, transformer-less, compact, single DC supply driving circuit is presented to drive off-the-shelf diodes into the SOS mode of operation. The proposed circuit consists of a high-pulsed current MOSFET switch, air-core inductors and capacitor. The circuit is used to drive Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diodes into the SOS mode of operation. As proof of concept, a prototype has been implemented with 22 TVS diodes arranged in two parallel symmetric branches. The obtained results demonstrate that the circuit successfully delivers high-voltage output pulses more than 5.8/4.3kV across a 270Ω/50Ω load with a 6.4ns/6.3ns rise time and FWHM pulse duration of 19.2ns/18.4ns respectively, when excited with approximately 38 mJ source energy. Based on the obtained results, the door is open for future use of off-the-shelf diodes as opening switches in a wide range of solid-state-based pulsed power systems.