High current pulse forming network switched by static induction thyristor

Abstract

A high-current pulse forming network (PFN) has been developed for applications to artificial solar-wind generation. It is switched by static-induction thyristor (SIThy) and is capable of generating pulsed current of ∼9.7 kA for a time duration of ∼1 ms. The SIThy switch module is made that it can be controlled by an optical signal and it can be operated at elevated electrical potential. The experiments reported in this paper used two switch modules connected in series for maximum operating voltage of 3.5 kV. The experimental results have demonstrated a pulsed high-current generator switched by semiconductor devices, as well as the control and operation of SIThy for pulsed power application.