Compact nanosecond pulse generator based on printed circuit board transmission lines and solid-state switches

Abstract

In order to explore the biomedical application of nanosecond pulsed electric fields (nsPEFs), researchers have used numerous methods to develop nanosecond pulse generators. Transmission line-based generators are widely used for their good reliability and simplicity. With traditional method, strip lines and spark gap switches are almost homemade. At the same time, manufacture techniques of PCB (printed circuit board) strip line and solid-state switch with universal manufacture standards will benefit the generators to be compact, portable, and reliable. This chapter provides guides to develop a compact nanosecond pulse generator for biomedical application based on PCB transmission lines and solidstate switches. Firstly, the principle of Blumlein strip line pulse generator including traditional balanced, unbalanced, and stacked Blumlein strip line is presented. Unbalanced Blumlein strip line could be used to generate output voltage with variable duration and variable amplitude. Stacked Blumlein strip line could be regarded as a voltage multiplier or a current amplifier. Then, as a main part, this chapter proposes the detailed design key points of this kind of compact generator including PCB strip line, PCB microstrip line, stacked PCB transmission lines, and stacked solid-state switches. Characteristic parameters, attenuation and design procedure with detailed equations of different strip lines, and PCB design techniques with parameters of different dielectric materials are also provided.