Switched-inverter modulator for producing modulated high voltage pulses

Abstract

A switched-inverter modulator for use in driving a load that comprises master and slave high voltage power supplies for providing output pulses that directly drive the load. A synchronized pulse generator provides pulse width tinting and synchronized amplitude commands to the master power supply. The timing pulse instructs the power supplies when to initiate high voltage and for what time interval. The analog waveform instructs the master power supply as to what high voltage level to obtain. The master power supply may have multiple slaves connected in parallel for additional current capacity. A low voltage DC capacitor bank is connected in parallel with each of the power supplies to supplement energy storage. Isolation resistors are coupled between outputs of the respective high voltage power supplies and the load to minimize temporary shorts from ringing back into the power supplies. A ramp generator is provided for synchronizing timing pulses with corresponding amplitude commands, and for controlling the rise time of each power supply. The switched-inverter modulator is capable of varying pulse widths, pulse repetition frequencies, and amplitude output applied to the load, and complex radio frequency pulse trains may be created. The present invention provides for the smallest, lightest, and most versatile pulse modulator available using current state-of-the-art technology to drive the load, and in particular a magnetron.