Series connection of thyristors with only one active driver for pulsed power generation

Abstract

One of the key issues in high-voltage pulsed power generation is switch technology. There are several switch options for high-power single pulse applications such as TVS (triggered vacuum switches), arc gap switches, thyratrons and ignitrons. However, in high frequency pulsed power applications semiconductor switches are more preferable despite of their limit of di/dt and dv/dt due to their lifetime and ease of control circuitry. To explore some of the thyristor characteristics for pulsed power applications, a series connection scheme with only active one driver is proposed. A thyristor stack for 10kV has been designed and built for experimental verification using ten (1,200 V, 40A made by EUPEC) thyristors. This paper contains the descriptions on the stack configurations, component parameters and dynamic and static behaviors of the thyristor switches.