Nanosecond Pulse Generator Circuit for High Repetition Frequency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-power nanosecond pulse generators suffer from low efficiency and low pulse repetition frequency due to complete capacitor discharge and complex circuit tuning requirements.
Innovation Solution
The generator employs a series-connected switch configuration with a superfast drift step recovery diode, where switches are connected to DC voltage sources of opposite polarities, and a chain of series-connected choke and resistor in parallel to the drift diode, allowing for efficient energy transfer and reduced preparation time between pulses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If complete capacitor discharge is used in pulse generation, then high power pulses are achieved, but pulse repetition frequency is limited to below 1 MHz due to charging time requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The inductive energy storage is divided into multiple separate inductors connected in series, each contributing to the total energy storage. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high power output while reducing the charging time constant, thereby enabling higher pulse repetition frequencies above 1 MHz.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces dynamic control of the circuit configuration through switches that can reconfigure the inductive elements during operation. This dynamic reconfiguration optimizes the energy transfer process and reduces preparation time between pulses, breaking the limitation of below 1 MHz repetition frequency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If inductor chokes or capacitors are changed to adjust drift diode transit time, then pulse characteristics are modified, but circuit tuning becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The invention enables pulse parameter adjustment by changing the operating conditions (current, voltage) of existing circuit elements rather than physically replacing inductors or capacitors. This approach maintains adaptability while significantly reducing tuning complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit elements are designed to serve multiple functions: the inductive energy storage both stores energy and provides current shaping, while the drift diode provides both switching and pulse formation. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed for tuning, simplifying the overall circuit.
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
This configuration enables high repetition frequency pulse generation with improved efficiency, allowing for a maximum pulse repetition rate of 151 MHz without the need for capacitor charging between cycles.
Implementation Method 1
series-connected inductive energy storage and superfast drift step recovery diode
Implementation Method 2
inductive energy storage
Data Source
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AI summary
A generator includes a series connected inductive energy storage and a superfast drift step recovery diode, as well as a load connected in parallel to the drift step recovery diode and switches. The switches are arranged in series, and the inductive energy storage device is connected to the point of connection of the switches there between with the possibility of adjusting the amplitude of the pulses on the load by changing the closing and opening times of the switches. The moment of closing of the second switch is in the time interval between the opening of the first switch and changing of the polarity of the current through the inductive storage, wherein the time of its opening is in the interval of time from the beginning of the pulse formation on the load until the next closure of the first switch.