Increased PRF for Pulsed Power

Applied Physical Electronics, L.C. (APELC) offers a modular, sequentially pulsed Marx generator system designed to deliver flattop pulses for High Power Microwave loads. The concept builds from APELC’s successful development of the Gatling Marx generator system, in which several Marx generators drive a common load, while remaining completely autonomous in their operation. The proposed solution utilizes a similar multiple Marx generator topology, with each generator operating autonomously in its voltage output pulse magnitude and timing of the pulse delivery. This autonomy makes the system capable of waveshaping and impedance agility for multiple load applications. Furthermore, with temporal control of pulse delivery, the system is uniquely capable of a graceful failure. The multiple generator topology further lends itself to higher repetition rates than conventional designs, due to distributed switching which results faster switch recovery. Repetition rates in excess of 100 Hz are anticipated, with lifetimes of millions of shots. The APELC system avoids the use of transformer oil or hazardous materials, instead utilizing solids and pressurized dry air for insulation, thus making the system independent of altitude and attitude. Finally, this effort brings a compact concept that will facilitate the deployment of an HPM system on airborne vehicles.