Solid-state Marx technique for uniform voltage distribution in series stacked semiconductor switches

This paper describes the operation of a solid-state Marx type circuit to be used as a serial and parallel switch in pulsed power applications. The proposed circuit, based on the Marx generator concept, reduces the voltage stress on series stacks of semiconductors, distributing the voltage uniformly. Experimental results from a 10 kV laboratory circuit, using 1200 V semiconductors in the solid-state Marx circuit, with ten stages, are reported and discussed, considering high and low duty cycle voltage pulse operation into a capacitive type load.