Numerical analysis of a peaking switch using the classical fourth-order Runge-Kutta method

A peaking switch plays a crucial role reducing the rise time of the high voltage output pulse from the Blumlein pulse forming line. An equivalent circuit in which the peaking switch is modelled as a series combination of inductor and resistor in parallel with a capacitor, is used to generate the output voltage waveform and to numerically analyze how much the rise time of the output voltage pulse changes at various conditions under the assumption that the input voltage is a Gaussian pulse whose rise time is ∼5 ns. Simultaneous ordinary differential equations for variables such as arc current resistance, and output voltage, are derived from the equivalent circuit, and solved by the classical forth-order Runge-Kutta method. Simulation results show that the rise time can be extremely reduced up to 425 ps at a pressure of 17 atm. Copyright © The Korean Institute of Electrical Engineers.