1000 pps subnanosecond high-voltage generator

A compact pulsed power generator for superwideband (SWB) radiator has been tested. A 90 kV output voltage of the generator into a 50 ohm impedance load has been achieved. Peaking and chopping gas spark gaps technology was used to form subnanosecond pulses. Because the pulse energy of the nanosecond driver was minimized, the device can operate at 1000 pps repetition rate without blowing the gas. Only a 15% decrease of the self-breakdown voltage of the nanosecond spark gap was observed. The generator can operate in prolonged operation mode at 100 pps for 30 minutes and in short burst operation mode at 1000 pps with 20 second exposures.