Shared Passive Output Circuit for Multi-Level Pulse Forming Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pulse forming networks (PFNs) are complex and costly, with multiple inductors and passive output circuits required for each capacitor unit, leading to increased mass, inductance, and reduced reliability.

Innovation Solution

A PFN design featuring a single common passive output circuit shared among multiple capacitor units, with switches controlling the discharge of capacitor units to form a regulated multi-level voltage waveform, reducing complexity and cost while increasing reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If each capacitor unit has its own dedicated passive output circuit, then pulse formation for each unit is independent and reliable, but device complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepulse formation reliabilityVSAvoidcircuit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple dedicated passive output circuits are merged into a single shared passive output circuit that serves all capacitor units. The inductor and diode are common to all units, reducing component count while maintaining functional capability through controlled switching sequences.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The shared passive output circuit performs multiple functions: it handles pulse formation for different capacitor units, supports various pulse widths through selective switching, and enables multi-level voltage waveforms by controlling the discharge sequence of different capacitor units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple inductors are used for each capacitor unit, then pulse shaping is improved, but mass and inductance increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepulse shaping precisionVSAvoidnetwork mass

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple individual inductors are merged into a single shared inductor that serves all capacitor units. The inductor is selectively connected to different capacitor units through switching mechanisms, allowing pulse shaping functionality to be maintained with reduced mass.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple passive output circuits are used, then each capacitor unit can discharge independently, but production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedischarge flexibilityVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple passive output circuits are merged into a single shared circuit, reducing the number of inductors and diodes that need to be manufactured and assembled. The switching mechanism provides the necessary discharge flexibility without requiring separate passive output circuits for each capacitor unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If more components are used for each capacitor unit, then pulse formation capability is enhanced, but mean time between failures decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepulse formation capabilityVSAvoidmean time between failures

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The number of passive components (inductors and diodes) is reduced by merging dedicated circuits into a shared circuit. Fewer components mean fewer potential failure points, thereby increasing mean time between failures while pulse formation capability is maintained through controlled switching of multiple capacitor units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 achieves a more efficient and reliable pulse formation with reduced components, lower production costs, and increased mean time between failures (MTBF), while enabling the generation of patterned energizing pulses with desired voltage waveforms.

Implementation Method 1

A plurality of capacitor units set to store a plurality of electrical charges in a plurality of working output voltages

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

A single common passive output circuit comprising an inductor connected in series to a load

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

a diode connected in parallel to the load

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiode rectification: Diode

Data Source

PatentUS20250158602A1Pulse forming network (PFN) having multiple capacitor units and a common passive output circuit for forming a pulse having a multi-level voltage and a method of forming such a pulse

Publication Date: 2025.05.15 SHTERZER MOSHE

AI summary

A pulse forming network (PFN), comprising a single common passive output circuit comprising an inductor connected in series to a load and a diode connected in parallel to the load, a plurality of capacitor units set to store a plurality of electrical charges in a plurality of working output voltages, a plurality of switches, each adapted to electrically couple a respective one of the plurality of capacitor units to the common passive output circuit electrically connecting all the switches to the load, and a control unit adapted to operate the plurality of switches to discharge the plurality of charges into the load, via the common passive output circuit, in a sequence ordered to form a regulated energizing pulse having a desired multi-level voltage waveform.