Control and power supply device for nanosecond EMP generator

Abstract

At present, the task of creating nanosecond pulse generators remains highly specialized, but quite relevant. The main direction of such generators using is to study the interaction of thin film layers from semiconductor materials with high-energy electromagnetic pulses and problem of protection elements against electromagnetic pulses development. The most common variant of a nanosecond pulse generator is a cable-based generator. The main element is a charging line in the form of a coaxial cable with 50 Ohms resistance. A mercury reed switch was used as the trigger, which allowed obtaining a voltage pulse rise time no more than 2 ns. In the process of cable discharge on to consistent load, the pulse amplitude is half of cable charge voltage. This type of generator is quite difficult to set up and operate in order to maintain the optimum parameters of their operation. For its control and power supply it has been developed and manufactured an electronic unit based on microcontroller. It provides powering up of charging line with voltage in the range from 40 to 400 V with steps no more than 1 V, implements manual start of a single pulse and automatic controlled operation mode with series of pulses (period from 1 s, up to hours) and provides the necessary indication of operating modes, including high-voltage DC power generation modes. This control device makes it easier for the user to work with charging line for high-voltage research and provide appropriate safety.