Development of Rectangle-Pulse Marx Generator Based on PFN

In this paper, two designs of the rectangle-pulse Marx generator based on pulse-forming network (PFN) for pulse-power application are reported. The PFN is composed of inductors and capacitors. Proposed schemes consist of several identical PFNs that are connected according to Marx generator scheme. PFN Marx generators can output rectangle pulse several hundreds of nanoseconds in duration and several tens of nanoseconds in rising time. The effect of component parameter to the waveform is studied. Prototypes made of four PFNs have been tested. One of the prototypes is designed according to classical Marx mode, while another is designed as an L-C Marx generator in which only one command switch and one isolating switch is needed. In a 500-ns duration, 65-ns rising-time rectangle pulse has been achieved on the matching load.