Innovative efficient gradient coil driver topology

In a magnetic resonance imager, or MRI device, so called 'gradient coils' are used for generating time and place dependent magnetic field pulses. The current pulses through this mainly inductive component should preferably be block shaped. Because block shaped current pulses require infinite high voltage over the coil clamps, physical limitations require blocked shaped current pulses to be approximated by trapezium shaped current pulses. The challenge in the gradient coil driver is to create pulses with a high precision and fast transient. In this paper an innovative topology of a gradient coil driver with two sources and clamp capacitor is suggested. Advantages and disadvantages of the selected concept are summarized and documented by experimental results.