Compact high-voltage pulse generator utilizing turn-off capability of SI-thyristor

A compact high-voltage pulse generator utilizing turn-off capability of a SI-thyristor is characterized. A newly developed turn-off scheme with the SI-thyristor assisted by MOSFETs makes the circuit configuration extremely simple. Incorporating the inductive energy storage scheme, the circuit can be operated by primary DC voltage as low as 40 V. The high-voltage pulse with the amplitude of 18.7 kV and the pulse width of 74 ns is successfully obtained in the primary voltage of 100 V. Energy transfer efficiency and the feasibility of applying it to a pulsed power application are discussed.