A High-Voltage Pulse Generator Based on PFN and Varistors

This paper puts forward a novel high-voltage pulse generator, which can output a near square waveform across the load. The generator is composed of a conventional Marx generator, an LC filter and a metal-oxide varistor (MOV) in parallel with the load. The Marx generator and the filter form a two-section type-A Guillemin pulse forming network (PFN). The PFN outputs a near square waveform and the MOV further stabilizes the voltage because of the MOV's nonlinear resistivity. Circuit simulation verifies the working principle. Design parameters for the conventional PFN are derived. Considering the stray inductance of the filter, a more realistic PFN circuit is proposed and its parameters are derived. Preliminary experiments are conducted and verify the concept. Typical output waveforms have 20-30-ns rise time, 1000-1100-ns pulsewidth, and ~7-kV peak voltage. The pulse generator based on this concept is suitable to be used as a compact, long-pulse high power microwave modulator as it has a simple design, a well-defined flat top and it can output near constant voltage even if the load's impedance varies.