Nanosecond Pulser Transformer Layout for Fast High-Voltage Pulses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high voltage nanosecond pulsers face challenges in producing electrical pulses with high peak voltage, high peak power, and short pulse widths while maintaining low stray inductance and capacitance, which limits their ability to achieve fast rise times and high pulse repetition frequencies.
Innovation Solution
A nanosecond pulser design incorporating a plurality of switch modules with solid state switches, a transformer with low stray inductance and capacitance, and a fast capacitor that is not significantly drained during each pulse cycle, allowing for high peak voltage and power outputs with pulse widths less than 1000 nanoseconds and rise times less than 50 nanoseconds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If existing high voltage nanosecond pulser designs are used, then high peak voltage and power can be achieved, but stray inductance and capacitance increase, limiting rise time and pulse repetition frequency
Solution Approach 1:
The pulser is divided into multiple independent switch modules (e.g., 8 modules) that can be individually controlled. Each module contains its own solid state switch and associated circuitry, allowing parallel operation to achieve high peak power while maintaining low stray inductance through modular construction. The segmented design enables flexible configuration of primary windings for each module.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch modules are arranged in a three-dimensional configuration around the transformer core, with modules positioned at different angular positions and heights. This spatial arrangement optimizes electrical connections, minimizes loop areas, and reduces stray inductance by carefully managing the geometric layout of current paths in three-dimensional space.
2Power
If high peak voltage and power are achieved, then pulse output performance improves, but pulse width control becomes more difficult to maintain at short durations
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates dynamic control capabilities where the duration of voltage pulses applied to each solid state switch can be independently adjusted. This allows precise control of pulse width by dynamically modifying the switch conduction time, enabling pulse widths from nanoseconds to microseconds while maintaining high peak voltage through coordinated switching of multiple modules.
3Speed
If fast rise times are achieved through optimized circuit design, then pulse quality improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Traditional mechanical or vacuum tube switching mechanisms are replaced with solid state switches (IGBTs, MOSFETs, or BJTs) that provide faster switching speeds and lower stray inductance. The solid state switches enable rise times of tens of nanoseconds or better through electronic control, eliminating the need for complex mechanical switching mechanisms while achieving superior pulse characteristics.
4Productivity
If high pulse repetition frequencies are achieved, then productivity improves, but energy management becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
Energy is pre-stored in capacitors connected to each switch module before pulse generation. The capacitors are charged during the interval between pulses and then rapidly discharged through the transformer during the pulse duration. This preliminary energy storage enables high repetition frequencies by preparing energy in advance, allowing the system to sustain high pulse rates without requiring excessive power management complexity during operation.
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 design enables the generation of electrical pulses with peak voltages over 5 kilovolts and peak powers over 100 kilowatts, with pulse widths and rise times optimized for high repetition frequencies, effectively addressing the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
a transformer with low stray inductance and capacitance... allowing for high peak voltage and power outputs
Data Source
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AI summary
A nanosecond pulser may include a plurality of switch modules, a transformer, and an output. Each of the plurality of switch modules may include one or more solid state switches. The transformer may include a core, at least one primary winding wound around at least a portion of the core, each of the plurality of switch modules may be coupled with the primary windings, and a plurality of secondary windings wound at least partially around a portion of the core. The output may output electrical pulses having a peak voltage greater than about 1 kilovolt and having a pulse width of less than about 1000 nanoseconds. The output may output electrical pulses having a peak voltage greater than about 5 kilovolts, a peak power greater than about 100 kilowatts, a pulse width between 10 nanoseconds and 1000 nanoseconds, a rise time less than about 50 nanoseconds, or some combination thereof.