Pulsed Power System With Galvanic Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high voltage pulsed power supplies face challenges in achieving fast voltage transitions due to insufficient slew rates, particularly in high voltage applications, where creating nearly instantaneous voltage pulses is difficult and unsatisfactory, and this issue is expected to worsen with increasing voltage demands.
Innovation Solution
A pulsed power system that includes a DC voltage source, switches, a DC offset module, and a controller with isolation paths to produce pulsed voltage by controlling the switches and providing a DC offset voltage, allowing for high voltage pulses with short rise times and robust high current delivery, while isolating earth-ground-referenced control circuitry from floating high-voltage pulse circuitry using galvanically-isolated power and signal paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If high voltage amplifiers are used to provide high voltage output, then high voltage capability is achieved, but slew rate is insufficient leading to slow transition time
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the high voltage generation into two independent parts: a DC voltage source for providing the high voltage level and a switch for enabling fast transitions. This segmentation allows each component to optimize for its specific function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a controllable switch that can rapidly change state between on and off, enabling the high voltage output to dynamically transition between different voltage levels. This dynamic element provides the fast slew rate needed while maintaining high voltage capability through the DC source.
2Strength
If existing high voltage amplifiers are used, then high voltage output is provided, but transition time is too slow for demanding applications
Solution Approach 1:
The DC voltage source is prepared in advance to provide the required high voltage level, so when the switch closes, the voltage is already available and can be applied immediately without waiting for the amplifier to build up the voltage, thus reducing transition time.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the slow analog amplification mechanism with a digital-like switching mechanism that can transition almost instantaneously between states, substituting a fast electronic switching action for a slow continuous amplification process.
3Ease of operation
If control circuitry is directly connected to high voltage circuitry, then control is simplified, but safety and isolation are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary switching component that acts as a barrier between the low voltage control circuitry and the high voltage pulsed power circuitry. This intermediary allows control signals to be transmitted while maintaining electrical isolation, thus preserving both control simplicity and safety.
Data Source
AI summary
Pulse power supply systems and methods are disclosed. A method includes providing earth-ground-referenced control circuitry and providing floating pulsed-power circuitry. The method also includes providing a DC offset voltage to the return port of the pulsed-power circuitry with a DC offset module and providing a peak voltage to the pulsed-power circuitry with a DC voltage source. Power is applied from a power source of the control circuitry to a driver of the pulsed-power circuitry via a galvanically-isolating power path and a trigger signal is applied from the control circuitry to the driver via a galvanically-isolated signal path to prompt the driver to produce a driver signal. A voltage pulse is produced between the output port and the return port by closing the switch with the driver signal to couple the peak voltage to the output port.