Development and Optimization of a 10-Stage Solid-State Linear Transformer Driver

Keegan Kelp (), Dawson Wright, Kirk Schriner, Jacob Stephens, James Dickens, John Mankowski, Zach Shaw and Andreas Neuber ()
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Keegan Kelp: Center for Pulsed Power and Power Electronics, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
Dawson Wright: Center for Pulsed Power and Power Electronics, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
Kirk Schriner: Center for Pulsed Power and Power Electronics, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
Jacob Stephens: Center for Pulsed Power and Power Electronics, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
James Dickens: Center for Pulsed Power and Power Electronics, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
John Mankowski: Center for Pulsed Power and Power Electronics, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
Zach Shaw: Nevada National Security Site, North Las Vegas, NV 89193, USA
Andreas Neuber: Center for Pulsed Power and Power Electronics, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 19, 1-18

Abstract: This work details the development of a 10-stage solid-stage linear transformer driver (SSLTD) capable of producing 24 kV, 1 kA pulses with a rise-time of ∼10 ns utilizing SiC MOSFET switches. Throughout the development process, various design parameters were investigated for their influence on the LTD’s performance. Among these considerations was an evaluation of the behavior of several nanocrystalline magnetic core materials subject to high-voltage pulsed conditions, with an emphasis on minimizing energy losses. Another design parameter of interest lies in the physical layout of the LTD structure, particularly the diameter of the central stalk and the dielectric material, which together define the characteristics of the coaxial transmission line, as well as the overall height of each stage. The influence of each of these parameters was weighed to optimize the final design for fastest output pulse rise-time, highest efficiency, and cleanest output pulse waveform profile across varying load resistance. This work also introduces a pulsed reset technique, where repetition-rated burst testing was used to find the maximum operational frequency of the LTD without driving the magnetic cores into saturation.

Keywords: linear transformer driver; solid-state switching; nanocrystalline magnetic core (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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