Abstract: A system and method for a power supply system that charges a capacitor, wherein the capacitor charge drives a pulse discharge driven system. The power supply system utilizes a main power supply and a resonant inductor and capacitor configuration to charge the capacitor to a specified, large percentage of a driving voltage that is required by the pulse system. A control module monitors the capacitor charge and disconnects the main power supply when the capacitor charge is within the specified percentage. The main power supply disconnect causes the inductor to discharge and similarly charge the capacitor in a more controlled manner. Once the control module measures the capacitor voltage at the full driving voltage, the control module commands a switch to separate the inductor from the capacitor.

Abstract: A power supply for supplying a load capacitor and comprising a parallel resonant circuit having an inductor and a capacitor, a switching network operating at a frequency at or above the resonant frequency and applying alternating current to the resonant circuit and the primary side of a power transformer, a rectifier for rectifying the induced currents on the secondary winding of the transformer, and applying the rectified output to the load capacitor, and a controller for controlling the output of the power supply based on a comparison of the output voltage V.sub.out with a desired (setpoint) voltage V.sub.prog. The resonant capacitance may consist of the power transformer winding self-capacitance. The resonant inductance may consist of the primary winding of the power transformer. The controller provides switching signals to operate the power supply at the resonant frequency of the resonant tank circuit during a "rapid rate charging mode" at which a maximum output current I.sub.out is applied to the load.

Abstract: A series inverter, high voltage capacitor charging circuit includes current sensors for sensing the current through each SCR in the circuit. The sensed current is used to vary the gating frequency of the SCRs and to preclude firing of an SCR until the other is in a stable off condition. The gating of each SCR is delayed by an amuont of time determined by a control capacitor charging circuit. That charging circuit is inhibited as long as one of the SCRs is conducting and once the load voltage has reached a predetermined level. The time constant of that charging circuit can be changed as the desired level is approached of if insufficient reverse bias is applied to an SCR for quick turn-off of the SCR. Resolution of the system can be increased by a shunt regulator which shorts the output transformer. The circuit can be disabled if the high voltage capacitor does not reach its set level within a given time.

Abstract: An adjustable, constant current power supply for use in electrically pumping negative impedance gas discharge lasers is disclosed. The power supply includes a voltage regulator and a constant current power source the output of the voltage regulator which is variable and controlled being connected to the input of the constant current power source. The output from the power supply is passed through a gaseous lasing medium located within a laser tube of the gas discharge laser in order to pump to the lasing medium. Be controlling the voltage fed into the constant current power source the current output therefrom can be altered in order to effectively vary the power output of the gas discharge laser.

Abstract: A series inverter, high voltage capacitor charging circuit includes current sensors for sensing the current through each SCR in the circuit. The sensed current is used to vary the gating frequency of the SCRs and to preclude firing of an SCR until the other is in a stable off condition. The gating of each SCR is delayed by an amount of time determined by a control capacitor charging circuit. That charging circuit is inhibited as long as one of the SCRs is conducting and once the load voltage has reached a predetermined level. The time constant of that charging circuit can be changed as the desired level is approached of if insufficient reverse bias is applied to an SCR for quick turn-off of the SCR. Resolution of the system can be increased by a shunt regulator which shorts the output transformer. The circuit can be disabled if the high voltage capacitor does not reach its set level within a given time.

Abstract: A series inverter, high voltage capacitor charging circuit includes current sensors for sensing the current through each SCR in the circuit. The sensed current is used to vary the gating frequency of the SCRs and to preclude firing of an SCR until the other is in a stable off condition. The gating of each SCR is delayed by an amount of time determined by a control capacitor charging circuit. That charging circuit is inhibited as long as one of the SCRs is conducting and once the load voltage has reached a predetermined level. The time constant of that charging circuit can be changed as the desired level is approached.

Abstract: A series inverter, high voltage capacitor charging circuit includes current sensors for sensing the current through each SCR in the circuit. The sensed current is used to vary the gating frequency of the SCRs and to preclude firing of an SCR until the other is in a stable off condition. The gating of each SCR is delayed by an amount of time determined by a control capacitor charging circuit. That charging circuit is inhibited as long as one of the SCRs is conducting and once the load voltage has reached a predetermined level. The time constant of that charging circuit can be changed as the desired level is approached.