Study of an Ultra-Compact, Repetitive Marx Generator for High-Power Microwave Applications

The need for repetitive high-power microwave systems, for instance within the scope of convoy protection, requires the availability of compact, repetitive pulsed-power generators. The development and the first experimental results of an upgraded balanced ISL Marx generator for future repetitive operations at pulse repetition frequencies in the order of 100 Hz are introduced. A key objective is to keep the fundamental modular coaxial concept by reason of its scalability and compactness. Simulation models were developed under the PSpice software package in order to investigate the charging and discharging phases of the Marx generator and also to determine the design criteria for repetitive operations. The charging resistors were replaced by ultracompact inductors for rapid charging, being able to withstand pulsed voltages up to 60 kV and pulsed currents up to 1.4 kA during the discharge phase. An improved type of strontium-titanate high-voltage ceramic capacitor was successfully tested experimentally up to 70 kV. Each new elementary stage of the Marx generator consists of eight 1.1 nF sectors of a cylinder capacitors mounted in parallel, two charging inductors of about 17.8 μH and two halves of spherical spark gaps. The pressurized self-triggered gas switches are arranged along the axis for fast consecutive breakdown thanks to the UV radiation emitted during the breakdown in each gap. The stages are installed in individual fibreglass housings. First experimental results of a 4-stage Marx generator in repetitive operation, driven by a 4 kW capacitor charging power supply up to a maximum voltage of 40 kV, are presented.