A Modular Generator of Nanosecond Pulses With Adjustable Polarity and High Repetition Rate

High-repetition-rate nanosecond pulses are used widely in many fields, and pulses of different polarities have different effects. A new pulse-generator structure is proposed based on an improved Blumlein pulse-forming line (BPFL) and a transmission-line transformer (TLT). The proposed structure generates pulses with polarity that can be adjusted among positive, negative, and bipolar. A modular design is used for the generator. In each module, three groups of solid-state switches are used to control the BPFL. By adjusting the timing of the control signal, the BPFL can generate high-repetition-rate nanosecond primary pulses with adjustable polarity. These primary pulses are then transmitted to the load through the TLT with amplification and superposition. The pulse-forming process is analyzed theoretically for matched impedance. The strategy for controlling the switches is also illustrated. In addition, the feasibility of the proposed generator is verified by simulations and experiments. Finally, a four-stage prototype is developed that can produce pulses with amplitudes of 0–10 kV, a width of 30 ns, repetition rates up to 200 kHz and adjustable polarity.