Improved Marx Pulse Generator With Auxiliary Trigger Topology (2022)

Marx multistage circuits based on avalanche transistors are widely used in high-power nanosecond pulse applications. In response to the low reliability of the conventional Marx circuit, this article analyzed the corresponding failure mechanism and discovered that the conduction modes were the main cause of failure. Based on this, a new topology is designed, by changing the conduction mode from "overvoltage switching-on" to "triggering switching-on". The simulation and measurement results show that the new structure has the advantages of high efficiency, stable operation, low output delay, and short output pulse front. Meanwhile, to further improve the output efficiency, a multiplexed stacking solution is designed based on the new structure, and the simulation results show that the output efficiency is up to 95%. The research in this article can provide solutions for the accurate and reliable synchronous triggering of key units such as gas switches in pulsed power systems, and also provide references for the design of high-efficiency nanosecond pulse generators.