DSRD Pulsed-Power Generator Without Magnetic Switches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current designs for nanosecond pulsed-power generators are limited in compactness and efficiency, requiring complex magnetic switches and metal-oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs) to achieve high-voltage pulses, which are costly and not easily scalable.
Innovation Solution
A compact high-voltage pulsed-power generator using a series inductor-capacitor (LC) compression with a fast high-voltage recovery diode, such as a drift-step-recovery diode (DSRD), employing commercially available off-the-shelf (COTS) components like IGBTs and DSRDs in a cascaded operation mode with a small bias voltage, eliminating the need for magnetic switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If magnetic switches and MOSFETs are used to achieve high-voltage pulses, then the voltage compression ratio is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the magnetic switch from the circuit, replacing it with a simplified configuration using only a DSRD and RC network. This removal of the complex magnetic switch component directly reduces device complexity while maintaining the voltage compression function through the DSRD's inherent recovery characteristics combined with the RC timing network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the magnetic switch (electromechanical component) with a solid-state DSRD-based circuit using electrical fields and RC time constants. This substitution eliminates the mechanical and magnetic components, reducing complexity while achieving the same voltage compression effect through electrical means.
2Power
If magnetic switches are used in the circuit, then high-voltage pulse generation is achieved, but the device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic switch is completely removed from the circuit configuration. The weight reduction comes from eliminating this heavy electromagnetic component and replacing it with lightweight solid-state DSRD devices and standard RC circuit elements, achieving the same high-voltage pulse generation without the magnetic switch's mass.
3Power
If custom-designed DSRDs are used, then optimal pulse compression is achieved, but the manufacturing cost and production difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent configures the DSRD to perform multiple functions: it acts as both the opening switch and the voltage compression element, while also providing pulse shaping through its recovery characteristics. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for custom-designed specialized components, as standard DSRDs can be used off-the-shelf to achieve optimal pulse compression.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses standard, commercially available DSRD components rather than expensive custom-designed devices. The circuit achieves optimal performance through clever configuration of these readily available components, making the system economical and easily manufacturable while maintaining high pulse compression efficiency.
4Speed
If fast pulsing is achieved using MOSFETs, then carrier discharge speed is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The DSRD is configured to automatically perform the fast pulsing function through its inherent drift-step-recovery characteristics. The device self-regulates the carrier discharge process without requiring external MOSFET control circuits, achieving fast carrier discharge speed while eliminating the complexity of additional switching components and control logic.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution achieves a compact design with a rise time of less than 5 nanoseconds and high peak voltages, offering significant cost savings and improved performance over prior art, with an output of 10 kV and 1.85 ns rise-time, and a specific power of 14 W/mm³, which is an order of magnitude more compact and efficient.
Implementation Method 1
DSRDs are highly-compact opening switches that can be used with an inductor to commutate HV nanosecond pulses into a load. The DSRD operation requires a prime switch to pump its junction with carriers in the forward direction, and then to pulse it quickly in the reverse direction and discharge the stored carriers.
Implementation Method 2
Drift-step-recovery diodes (DSRDs) are highly-compact opening switches that can be used with an inductor to commutate HV nanosecond pulses into a load.
Implementation Method 3
DSRDs are highly-compact opening switches that can be used with an inductor to commutate HV nanosecond pulses into a load.
Data Source
AI summary
A pulsed-power circuit includes first, second, third and fourth compression stages. The first and second stages each include at least one pre-charged capacitor and at least one inductor in series, and at least one switch operative to pump a DSRD (drift-step-recovery diode). The pre-charged capacitor of the second stage is pre-charged in negative direction with respect to the pre-charged capacitor of the first stage. The third and fourth stages each include at least one DSRD. The switches of the first and second stage are operative to drive (pump and then pulse) the DSRDs of the third and fourth stages.