Abstract: An improved commutation circuit configured to arrest and dissipate energy which may be reflected from a magnetic pulse compression network. The commutation circuit includes an energy storage capacitor for storing energy, a capacitor charging unit for charging the energy storage capacitor, a power supply protection circuit configured for isolating reverse voltages from the output of the capacitor charging unit, a series switch configured for conducting current in the forward direction and blocking current in the reverse direction to and from the energy storage capacitor, a magnetic assist device configured for isolating the reverse voltage from the switch, a trigger circuit configured for transmitting a trigger pulse signal to the switch to allow the transfer of reflected energy to the energy storage capacitor and a power supply configured for biasing the magnetic assist device.