Pulse power applications of silicon diodes in EML capacitive pulsers

Author

Dethlefsen, Rolf ; McNab, Ian ; Dobbie, Clyde ; Bernhardt, Tom ; Puterbaugh, Robert ; LeVine, Frank ; Coradeschi, Tom ; Rinaldi, Vito

Author_Institution

Maxwell Laboratories Inc., San Diego, CA, USA

Volume

29

Issue

1

fYear

1993

fDate

1/1/1993 12:00:00 AM

Firstpage

934

Lastpage

938

Abstract

Crowbar diodes are used for increasing the energy transfer from capacitive pulse forming networks. They also prevent voltage reversal on the energy storage capacitors. 52 mm diameter diodes with a 5 kV reverse blocking voltage, rated 40 kA, were successfully used for the 32 MJ SSG (single shot gun) railgun. An uprated diode with increased current capability and a 15 kV reverse blocking voltage has been developed. Transient thermal analysis has predicted the current ratings for different pulse lengths. Analysis verification is obtained from destructive testing

Keywords

capacitor storage; electromagnetic launchers; power capacitors; power supplies to apparatus; pulse generators; pulsed power technology; semiconductor diodes; switchgear; 15 kV; 32 MJ; 40 kA; 5 kV; 52 mm; EM launchers; Si; applications; capacitive pulsers; crowbar diodes; current ratings; destructive testing; energy storage; energy transfer; power capacitors; pulse forming networks; pulse lengths; pulsed power technology; railgun; reverse blocking voltage; semiconductor switches; single shot gun; switchgear; thermal analysis; voltage reversal; Diodes; Energy exchange; Energy storage; Inductance; Pulse shaping methods; Silicon; Switched capacitor circuits; Switches; Switching circuits; Voltage;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Magnetics, IEEE Transactions on

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

0018-9464

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/20.195703

Filename

195703