An Efficient Structure of Marx Generator Using Buck-Boost Converter

In this paper, a new structure of Marx generator (MG) based on buck-boost converter is proposed to generate high-voltage pulses. In this structure, a single-phase inverter is employed to supply parallel diode-capacitor units by positive and negative values of the input dc source (+/- V-in). The main contribution of this paper is proposing a new switching strategy, by which a group of capacitors are charged properly. Finally, the charged capacitors are connected in series such that the output voltage is equal to summation of the capacitors' voltages. Considering specified value of the output voltage, the number of circuit elements in the proposed structure is reduced in comparison with other topologies of unipolar MG. Furthermore, voltage rating of switches and diodes in the proposed topology is lower than that of other unipolar MG structures. Design of the structure ensures that there is no need to connect the switches in series, when the number of stages is increased. To verify the performance of the proposed MG structure, simulation has been carried out in MATLAB/Simulink. Furthermore, a prototype of the proposed structure has been implemented in the lab. The simulation and experimental results confirm the capability of the structure for generating high-voltage pulses.