An ultra-compact 260 MW PFN-Marx generator

Applications have stimulated intense interest in pulsed power generator towards compact structure. In this paper, an ultra-compact pulse forming network (PFN)-Marx generator with 5-stage PFN modules is designed, constructed and tested. The character of the circuit is mixed with a Type C PFN with 4 node capacitors and several Type E PFNs with 3 node capacitors. By using the Type C PFN, the rectangular characteristics of the output pulse can be effectively improved. A series measures including the structure design and the application of the mica capacitor, air-core transformer, aluminum material are made to increase the compactness of the system as well as decrease the weight. Finally, the generator is developed with a 30 kg mass. Across a 38.5 Ω resistive load, the generator can produce 260 MW electrical pulses with the voltage of 100 kV and the pulse width of 100 ns in 10 Hz repetition rate. These efforts set a good foundation for the development of an ultra-compact PFN-Marx generator and show a promising application for the future.