A test generator of single square-wave voltage pulses

Abstract

A generator of single square-wave voltage pulses (SSPs) of 5-kV amplitude and the length from 100 ns to 10 μs is described. This generator is intended for testing pulse electrical strength of devices and electronic components of various purposes. SSP is apllied across an investigated object using five forming lines with an impedance of 50 Ω and three switches: a mercury reed relay, IGBT transistors, and an atmospheric-air-filled spark gap. The SSP rise time is less than 5% of the pulse length. The SSP amplitude depends on the generator load and is equal to 50% of the charging voltage in the matched mode, which can be set with an accuracy of 0.01–10 V (depending on the range) within the range of ±10 V to ±10 kV.