Alternating Conductor Ribbon Transmission Lines as Low Inductance Components

Solid state components have revolutionized high voltage pulsed power systems. The device voltage for a solid state device (1-5 kV) is generally much less than the output voltage of the system for many applications. Transformer systems with large step-up ratios elegantly overcome this voltage difference, but the primary impedance varies as the inverse square of the step-up N so that the required impedance of the primary system is N^2 lower than the output impedance. This can result in difficult requirements for both the transformer primary circuit, and the "wires" which connect it to the transformer primary. A simpler method using flexible lines to make the connection is set forth in this paper. In this paper, I calculate and measure the inductance and impedance of an "Alternate Conductor Ribbon Stripline" (ACRS) based on the ubiquitous "ribbon cable" and it's variants. Both standard cables and standard cables with connectors will be discussed with emphasis on the voltage capability and inductance of such transmission lines.