High-Voltage Pulse Discharge Circuit for nsPEF Charge Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nanosecond pulsed electric field (nsPEF) generators lack effective control over pulse generator charge state, posing risks to operators, patients, and test subjects, and are inefficient in delivering high voltage pulses due to limitations in switch technology, leading to low efficiency and high impedance issues.
Innovation Solution
A nanosecond pulsed electric field generator system with a discharge circuit and Marx generator apparatus that includes power MOSFET switches, allowing for controlled discharge of capacitive elements and scalable voltage output, enabling efficient and safe delivery of high voltage pulses with adjustable pulse duration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional switch technology is used to generate high voltage pulses, then the device can deliver pulses, but it suffers from low efficiency and high impedance issues
Solution Approach 1:
The pulse generator is divided into multiple stages, each with its own switch and capacitive element. This segmentation allows each stage to operate at optimized impedance levels, reducing overall system impedance issues while maintaining high efficiency power delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic impedance matching through the Marx generator configuration, where the impedance of each stage can be independently controlled and optimized during operation, allowing the system to adapt to different load conditions and maintain high efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If nanosecond pulsed electric field generators are designed without discharge circuits, then the structure is simpler, but there is no effective control over pulse generator charge state, posing risks to operators and patients
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge circuit is designed to automatically discharge capacitive elements before the main pulse is delivered. This preliminary action ensures the generator is in a safe charge state before operation, providing effective control without requiring complex manual intervention or overly complicated circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
A controlled switch acts as an intermediary between the capacitive element and ground, allowing precise control over the discharge process. This intermediary component enables safe charge state management while keeping the overall circuit structure relatively simple and manageable.
3Reliability
If high voltage pulses are delivered without controlled discharge, then the system can operate continuously, but the risk of harm to operators, patients and test subjects increases
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge circuit is designed to operate rapidly and automatically, allowing the system to maintain continuous operational capability. The quick discharge and recharge cycle minimizes downtime while ensuring safety, thus maintaining high productivity without compromising reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates control logic that monitors the charge state and automatically triggers discharge when appropriate. This feedback mechanism ensures safety by preventing hazardous charge accumulation while maintaining operational efficiency through automated, rapid response to charge conditions.
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 system provides enhanced control over nsPEF parameters, reducing risk and improving efficiency by allowing for precise adjustment of pulse duration and voltage, enabling effective treatment of cancerous tumors through apoptosis induction without substantial impact on normal tissue.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of inductive elements configured to generate the control signals for the serially connected switches, where each inductive element is configured to generate a control signal for one of the serially connected switches in response to one or more input signals at one or more of the control input terminals
Implementation Method 2
Each pulse generator stage includes a capacitive element configured to be charged by the power source and configured to be discharged through the electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
A pulse generator discharge circuit is disclosed. The circuit includes one or more discharge stages, each discharge stage including a plurality of control input terminals. The circuit also includes first and second discharge terminals, and a plurality of serially connected switches electrically connected between the first and second discharge terminals, where a conductive state of each of the switches is controlled by a control signal. The circuit also includes a plurality of inductive elements configured to generate the control signals for the serially connected switches, where each inductive element is configured to generate a control signal for one of the serially connected switches in response to one or more input signals at one or more of the control input terminals, and where each of the serially connected switches is configured to receive a control signal from a respective one of the inductive elements.