Abstract: A high voltage switching generator for rapidly changing the voltage across a load capacitance. A first DC voltage source connected in series with non-linear device and switch units together with a second DC voltage source is connected across the load capacitance. Each non-linear device and switch unit includes a series of zener diodes providing a non-linear device having a threshold voltage equal to the sum of the threshold voltages of the individual diodes. During current flow therethrough the series of zener diodes has a voltage drop equal to its threshold voltage. Each non-linear device and switch unit includes a transistor by-pass switching arrangement which can be closed to short circuit the associated series of zener diodes so that there is no voltage drop thereacross. By selectively opening and closing the by-pass switching arrangements of the non-linear device and switch units the voltage across the load capacitance can be changed.