Transmission line-based short pulse generator with energy recovery

Abstract

A pulse generator and a method for generating pulses are provided. The pulse generator includes at least one first transmission line with a first and a second end; at least one second transmission line with a first and a second end; a voltage source; a switching unit; and a charge control device. The charge control device is adapted to connect an output of the voltage source to the first end of the at least one first transmission line. A first switch Sin the switching unit is adapted to connect or disconnect the second end of the at least one first transmission line to the first end of the at least one second transmission line for predetermined time spans. A second switch Sin the switching unit is adapted to connect or disconnect the first end of the at least one second transmission line to a fixed potential. The opening or closing states of Sand Sin the switching unit are mutually exclusive. A second end of the at least one second transmission line is adapted to be connected to a load. The switching unit is further adapted to operate the first switch, S, and the second switch, S, in a predetermined order to alter a pre-charging state of the first transmission line.