High Voltage Switch with MOSFET Series/Parallel Connection

In this paper, a network configuration which permits an increase in MOSFET maximum operating current and voltage values is proposed. This methodology capitalizes on MOSFETs' high-speed switching characteristic. The proposed configuration is tested through use of a model for liquid food electroporation processes, generating 3 kV rectangular waves and adjustable pulse widths between 1 μs and 100 μs. In these tests, the effect of load conductivity variation and two of the proposed circuit's parameters on the defining characteristics of the pulse shape, including rise time, fall time, amplitude, and pulse width, were evaluated. The switching times and waveforms obtained for proposed configuration were suitable, and increased voltage and current limits.