Linear Transformer Driver Flat Top Pulse Generation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Linear Transformer Drivers (LTDs) generate high power pulses with sine-shaped outputs, which are not suitable for applications requiring flat or trapezoidal pulses, such as radiography, where a pulse with a fixed voltage (flat top) is desired.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a combination of standard power delivery modules (SPDMs) and modified power delivery modules (MPDMs) in parallel, where MPDMs generate pulses approximately three times the frequency of SPDMs, resulting in a combined pulse with a substantially flat top, achieved by configuring the power delivery modules with specific capacitance and inductance ratios and using a ferrite core to shape the pulse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If standard power delivery modules are used to generate high power pulses, then high power output is achieved, but the pulse shape is sine-shaped which is not suitable for applications requiring flat top pulses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines standard power delivery modules (SPDMs) that generate sine-shaped pulses with modified power delivery modules (MPDMs) that generate higher frequency sine-shaped pulses. By merging these two types of modules in parallel and adjusting their relative amplitudes and frequencies, the system produces a combined output with a substantially flat top pulse shape, resolving the contradiction between maintaining high power output and achieving the desired flat top waveform.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the frequency parameter of the power delivery modules by incorporating MPDMs that operate at approximately three times the frequency of SPDMs. This parameter change allows the combination of pulses to create a flat top waveform through constructive and destructive interference patterns, while maintaining the high power characteristics of the original SPDMs.
2Shape
If a combination of SPDMs and MPDMs is used to generate flat top pulses, then the desired pulse shape is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power delivery system into two distinct types of modules: SPDMs for generating base frequency pulses and MPDMs for generating higher frequency pulses. This segmentation allows each module type to be designed and optimized independently, with the MPDMs specifically tailored to operate at three times the frequency of SPDMs, thereby managing the complexity through modular design while achieving the flat top pulse shape.
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 effectively generates high power pulses with a flat top, suitable for applications like radiography, by combining sinusoidal pulses from SPDMs and MPDMs, enhancing the versatility of LTDs in producing desired waveform outputs.
Implementation Method 1
a high power pulse is created by switching the power delivery modules and inductively adding the pulses
Implementation Method 2
soft iron or other ferromagnetic material core isolation
Data Source
AI summary
A linear transformer driver includes at least one ferrite ring positioned to accept a load. The linear transformer driver also includes a first power delivery module that includes a first charge storage devices and a first switch. The first power delivery module sends a first energy in the form of a first pulse to the load. The linear transformer driver also includes a second power delivery module including a second charge storage device and a second switch. The second power delivery module sends a second energy in the form of a second pulse to the load. The second pulse has a frequency that is approximately three times the frequency of the first pulse. The at least one ferrite ring is positioned to force the first pulse and the second pulse to the load by temporarily isolating the first pulse and the second pulse from an electrical ground.