Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for generating long-duration current impulses, as well as high-amplitude short-duration impulses, such as the type of pulses used in testing electrical equipment, in generating high magnetic fields, and for studying the properties of materials.A ladder network using equal capacitors in all its stages and equal inductances in all but the first and last stages forms the current generating apparatus. In order to convert the apparatus from a long current pulse to a short current pulse configuration the inductances are eliminated. In both configurations the internal resistance of the circuit elements constitutes the internal resistance of the apparatus.