A high repetition-rate bipolar submicrosecond pulse generator based on magnetic pulse compression system

Magnetic pulse compression (MPC) systems are suitable for generating (Dielectric Barrier Discharges) DBD owing to their capability for producing high amplitude, short pulse voltage waves. Because of the frequency limit caused by magnetic core reset, and by the high DBD discharge voltage, which is often up to several tens kV under the low-frequency unipolar voltage wave, this paper proposes a high frequency, bipolar magnetic compression system to study MPC discharge characteristics. First, the principle of bipolar MPC is explained, which is based on full bridge inverter circuit, pulse transformer, and magnetic switch. Additionally, the design of the pulse transformer and magnetic switch are described. Then, the waveform of the resistive load is tested and compared with PSpice simulation results. It was found that the nanosecond pulse generator produces a pulse on a resistor with an amplitude of 0–13 kV, a rise time of approximately 100ns, a repetition frequency of 0 to several kHz. The preliminary experimental data show the effects of repetition frequency on discharge characteristics. The successful development of the system will facilitate deeply study on bipolar high frequency DBD discharge.