Pulse forming network optimal design for the power supply of EML launchers

In this paper a procedure for the design of a PFN feeding an electromagnetic launcher is presented. Given the design parameters (pulse duration, pulse rise time, pulse current amplitude and load equivalent resistance), the procedure gives the value of the inductances and capacitances for an optimal design of an L-C ladder feeding network. In the procedure an auxiliary network having all branches in parallel, and each branch formed by a series of a capacitor and an inductor, is used. By means of this auxiliary network which allows a simple expression of its generated current pulse, the equivalent L-C ladder network is deduced. Finally a suitable performance index is considered in order to optimize the obtained network, taking Into account the presence of parasitic elements.