Impulse current generator with real-time controllable output

Abstract

The disclosed invention introduces a controllable impulse current generator for testing surge protective devises under standard (8 / 20 μs, 10 / 350 μs), non-standard, and field-recorded impulse currents. It comprises a control circuit, a current sensing circuit, a variable-impedance device, a device under test and an energy source. The control circuit monitors the impulse current and drives the variable-impedance device to ensure that the applied current conforms to a targeted output. This invention proves beneficial for applications in surge protection, insulation coordination, and hardware-in-the-loop simulations.