A portable MIL-STD-188-125 E1 test system

MIL-STD-188-125 establishes requirements and design objectives for high-altitude electromagnetic pulse (HEMP) hardening of both fixed and transportable systems [2,3]. A pulsed current injection (PCI) system is presented which produces a >1 kA peak current waveform suitable for compliance testing many of the systems outlined within the MIL-STD. A novel, planar Marx generator topology is utilized as the 60-Ohm Norton-equivalent source in a suitcase-style package capable of being carried by one person. Pulse characteristics, and coupling methods for wire-to-ground, shield-to-ground, and bulk cable common-mode testing are also discussed.