Note: A novel trigger generator for a pseudospark switch

A novel trigger generator for operating a pseudospark switch has been developed based on a series connection of several insulated gate bipolar transistors. The trigger generator can be operated in single shot mode up to a repetition rate of 1 kHz. It is characterized by a fast rise time and low jitter between the output trigger pulses of less than 1 ns. It produces 3 kV, 1 mu s pulses into a 50 Omega load that can trigger a pseudospark switch. By eliminating bulkier, slower high voltage components, the overall volume of the trigger generator is reduced. This allows for faster, high voltage switching to take place and thereby increasing the power density of the unit. Using this pseudospark trigger generator, it is possible to trigger single or multiple pseudospark gaps without the requirement to use a pulse shaping circuit. (C) 2015 AIP Publishing LLC.