Development of A 4kV EMP generator based on break over diode

A 4kV compact electromagnetic pulse (EMP) generator based on Break Over Diode (BOD) has been developed in this paper. The EMP generator consists of a high-voltage DC power source, a Marx circuit and the corresponding digital trigger circuit. The output of the EMP generator has the peak voltage of 4kV, the rise time of 300 nanoseconds and the FWHM within 20ns, which can satisfy the design requirements. In addition, some factors which could affect the rise time and pulse width are discussed through computer simulation and field tests. The EMP generator not only can be used as the excitation pulse source of protection devices, but also can be used in experimental investigation of newly emerging field of bio-electrics.