LAUSR

High power one-shot pulse generators that respond quickly to a trigger are needed for industrial, scientific, and medical applications. A fast-response, flat-top current pulse can help dc circuit interrupters achieve zero current switching, which alleviates arcing, reduces semiconductor device stress, and improves circuit design. We overcome several challenges in designing high voltage and high current accurate pulse generators, including: (a) parasitics from the necessary large physical format that degrade pulse quality and complicate design; (b) modularity that is economical in using fewer lower voltage semiconductor switches; (c) optimality in the trade-off among response time, pulse flat-top duration, and component selection. We present a design method and hardware results for a modular 4.5 kV pulse generator that delivers a 100A peak current pulse for an 800 ns flat-top duration and 1% accuracy, which can potentially scale to tens of kilovolts.