I. Introduction
Repetitive high-voltage pulse generators have found extensive use in industrial and medical applications [1]–[3]. Switching devices are the key components in pulsed power systems. A number of techniques have been used to generate repetitive high-voltage pulses with optimized performance and characteristics by taking advantage of solid-state technology, which offers characteristics such as high operational frequency rate, reduced costs and losses, and a smaller footprint. A limitation of semiconductor switches is the blocking voltage; to overcome this, the use of either a series connection of switches or a step-up transformer has been proposed in different configurations [4], [5]. The former presents the risk of voltage breakdown of the switches due to lack of proper balancing and protection circuits; the latter causes a dramatic decrease in system efficiency due to transformer losses, size, and difficulties matching load impedance.