Solid state pulsed power supply

Abstract

A solid state power supply is provided which may be formed of a plurality of modules sufficient to support a selected voltage output from the supply. Each module includes a capacitor or capacitor bank for storing a high voltage, a thyristor switch through which the capacitor discharges, a trigger circuit for the thyristor switch and a nonlinear impedance element, preferably a saturable magnetic output stage, which initially provides a high impedance to current flow in a given direction, delaying significant current flow through the thyristor switch until there has been substantial spacial currents spread therein, and decrease as the current flow continues. The nonlinear impedance element also protects the thyristors and other elements of the power supply from voltage and current spikes generated by a nonlinear load. The thyristor switch is preferably made up of a plurality of series-connected thyristors and preferably includes various circuitry for voltage grading the thyristors and for otherwise protecting them from overload. The thyristors are preferably of a type with wide-area gate electrodes facilitating fast current rise time, preferably in the submicrosecond range. The power supply also preferably includes an energy snubber in parallel with the capacitor to dissipate reverse currents.