Compact pulse generator with sub-nanosecond rise time based on inductance of order of several nH

Abstract

Pulse generators with a sub-nanosecond rise time are typically used to calibrate measurement probes in electromagnetic pulses. However, the technological dilemma between high voltage and low inductance has not been adequately addressed in this context. In this paper, the authors investigate the effects of the circuit and structural parameters on the generator. To reduce the rise time of the output voltage of the generator to a few hundred picoseconds, the inductance of its structure and the spark gap needs to be strictly controlled. We use SF6 at 1 MPa as an insulating gas for the spark gap to reduce the inductance of the capacitor and the switch to the order of several nH. The results of theoretical calculations and simulations were used to design and test two generators that used a coaxial ceramic capacitor and three plate ceramic capacitors, respectively. The experimental results showed that a double-exponential pulse voltage with a sub-nanosecond rise time could be obtained in a 50 Ω transmission line in both generators. The generator with the coaxial ceramic capacitor had better characteristics than the one that used three plate ceramic capacitors with a rise time of 630–860 ps when the peak output voltage was in the range of 5–30 kV.