Author: Chen, P.
Paper Title Page
THPPD082 A Novel Solid-State Marx Modulator Topology with Voltage Droop Self-Compensation 3707
 
  • P. Chen, M. Lundquist, D. Yu
    DULY Research Inc., Rancho Palos Verdes, California, USA
 
  Funding: Work supported by U.S. Department of Energy SBIR grant no. DE-FG02-08ER85052.
Solid-state Marx modulators are preferred over conventional modulators in accelerators and radar applications because of their high flexibility, high reliability and long life. However, voltage droop is a notable issue. A novel topology of solid-state Marx modulators is described in this paper for raising their electric energy utilization ratios (EEURs). The new Marx modulator incorporates a buck regulator circuit into each Marx cell and adopts a higher charge voltage than that of application. The topology allows Marx cells to store more electric energy and utilize the energy more efficiently than others. Initial theoretical analysis and preliminary experiments show that solid-state Marx modulators constructed with this topology and under proper control of the stepwise energy release are able to significantly enhance their EEURs. The cost effective Marx modulators with compact energy storage sizes will resolve the issue of voltage droop when they are used in high power, long pulse applications.