A compact Blumlein PFN with optimized performance index

A compact Blumlein pulse forming network (PFN) was designed using lumped elements for the generation of a 50-kV flat-top voltage pulse of /spl ap/1 /spl mu/s duration. The 'performance index' of the network (which is a measure of its pulse response during transient switching) was optimized by minimizing the overshoot and the ringing in the output pulse, using a damping resistor technique. The network was analyzed and computer-simulated to achieve the best pulse shape by choosing appropriate damping resistors required to obtain the minimum performance index within the design criteria for the given system. The Blumlein PFN fabricated accordingly is capable of generating a nearly flat-top voltage pulse as predicted by simulation, and suitable for research and industrial applications where a flat-top high voltage pulse without ringing is required. It has been used successfully to characterize the preflashover behavior of dielectric materials under high electric fields.