A Microsecond Pulse Generator Employing Series Coupled SCR's

A pulse generator circuit is presented in which capacitive discharge through a high voltage switch incorporating a chain of series coupled SCR's produces pulses of microsecond durations with peak currents of 1 kA at 1 kV. The basic operation of the switch, limitations governing the choice and arrangement of components, extension to voltages higher than 1 kV, and the electrical performance of the circuit when used to initiate the firing of xenon flash tubes are discussed.