A prototype two-stage linear transformer driver using power MOSFETs

Summary form only given. A prototype two-stage Linear Transformer Driver (LTD) system based on power MOSFETs has been designed and tested for single shot and multi-pulse burst mode operation. Each adder stage consists of two custom designed MOSFET driver boards with four parallel connected MOSFETs and two high voltage MKP capacitors per board. The two boards are connected on either side of the toroid core. The custom current source gate driver was designed to drive four parallel connected MOSFETs synchronously at switching speeds of less than 10ns. The induction core is made of Nanoperm and is 60mm wide and 20mm high. It is fully enclosed in an aluminium cavity. The overall width of the system is 200 mm. A compact LTD system is established with a high power density and ultra-fast switching. Experimental results demonstrate pulse widths of 100ns at a peak voltage of 1.5 kV and a peak current of 300 A with switching times of less than 12 ns.