Abstract: A integrated flue support construction (2) for a Marx impulse voltage generator (2) with several generator stages (3) is disclosed. It has been known to arrange a flue (2) for flushing the air of switching spark gaps (4) separately from a support frame for the switching spark gaps (4), the impulse capacitors (5) and series and parallel resistors (7, 8). According to the invention, the flue (2) has a supporting function for the switching spark gaps (4) and individual or all electrical components (5-10) of the impulse circuit. In one embodiment the flue (2) consists of a triangular cylinder support structure (2), wherein the side walls (11) are formed by insulating plates (11), each receiving one of the electrical components, namely the switching spark gap (4), impulse capacitor (5) and resistors (7, 8).

Abstract: An apparatus generates sine waves of electromotive force (i.e. alternating current) from a battery. The battery includes a given number of cells connected in series. A stator and commutator is formed by a multiple of segments. Each of the segments is connected in sequence to a respective cell of the battery. The apparatus can be incorporated in a rotary switching device that further includes a rotor having at least one brush contacting the segments of the stator and commutator to carry a step waveform approximating a sine wave. The rotary switch can be included in various setups to provide a backup or alternate generator that provides alternating current.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pulse power generator using a semiconductor switch, which enables its lifespan to be significantly improved, allows for its miniaturization, and makes it possible to diversely control a high-voltage pulse output finally. According to the pulse power generator, it is possible to address and solve a difficulty in driving the semiconductor switch in series, i.e., the problems related to synchronization and insulation of a driving power supply, and to include a circuit which can cope with the generation of arc and short circuit to thereby significantly improve device protecting performance and stability of the pulse power generator.

Abstract: Conductor segments are positioned within a two conductor transmission line in order to generate microwave pulses. The conductor segments are switchably coupled to one or the other of the transmission lines in parallel. Microwave pulses may be induced in the transmission line by closing the switches in a controlled manner to discharge successive segments into the transmission lines. The induced waves travel uninterrupted along the transmission lines in a desired direction.

Abstract: A pulse generating circuit and related method, for producing extremely narrow pulses for use in monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMICs) for radar, high-speed sampling, pulse radio and other applications. A sinusoidal input signal is supplied to two nonlinear shock wave generators, which are oppositely biased to produce periodic outputs that are mirror images of each other, one with a very steep rising edge and one with a very steep falling edge. The combined outputs would cancel each other completely but for the introduction of a slight time delay in one of them, which results in a narrow peak in the combined signals.

Abstract: A system for generating a high voltage energy pulse comprises a capacitive energy storage arrangement that is coupled to a direct current (DC) power supply. The capacitive energy storage arrangement stores energy from the power supply. The system also includes a pulse forming network for forming frequency contents of a high voltage energy pulse. A dielectric insulated mechanical switch is coupled to the capacitive energy storage arrangement and the pulse forming network. The dielectric insulated mechanical switch is immersed in a dielectric substance. A controller is coupled to the dielectric insulated mechanical switch. The controller is programmed to selectively open and close the dielectric insulated mechanical switch so as to supply energy stored in the capacitive energy storage device to the pulse forming network and thereby form the high voltage energy pulse.

Abstract: A method and a small profile apparatus for generating high voltage impulses. Integration of the radiating antenna with the impulse source structure makes possible the small size of the present invention.

Abstract: A high-voltage pulse generator to generate short high-voltage pulses is described. In one embodiment, a multi-stage Blumlein is used to form relatively short relatively high-voltage pulses. In one embodiment, the multi-stage Blumlein is based on transmissions lines and provides short pulses to a desired load. In one embodiment, repetition rates on the order of 1 kHz-5 kHz are be achieved due to relatively small charging time and relatively small charging inductances. In one embodiment, water as a capacitor dielectric provides a working field strength of 150-200 kv/cm. In one embodiment, the multi-stage Blumlein is used to provide short pulses for a cold cathode as a source of electrons.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating a high voltage pulse. A series of voltage cells are connected such that charging capacitors can be charged in parallel and discharged in series. Each cell includes a main switch and a return switch. When the main switches are turned on, the capacitors in the cells are in series and discharge. When the main switches are turned off and the return switches are turned on, the capacitors charge in parallel. One or more of the cells can be inactive without preventing a pulse from being generated. The amplitude, duration, rise time, and fall time can be controlled with the voltage cells. Each voltage cell also includes a balance network to match the stray capacitance seen by each voltage cell.

Abstract: Conductor segments are positioned within a two conductor transmission line in order to generate microwave pulses. The conductor segments are switchably coupled to one or the other of the transmission lines in parallel. Microwave pulses may be induced in the transmission line by closing the switches in a controlled manner to discharge successive segments into the transmission lines. The induced waves travel uninterrupted along the transmission lines in a desired direction.

Abstract: The present inventions relate to a method and apparatus for adding Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) capabilities to utility meters that generate a magnetic field comprising magnetic flux that varies proportionally with the rate of resource consumption. The apparatus comprises a dual magnetic field sensor unit for detecting variations in the magnetic flux density for the magnetic field. The sensor unit may be compact in size so that it can be positioned within a utility meter. The sensor unit may be operatively connected to a data-unit located outside the utility meter. The data unit may be further configured for storing processed or unprocessed sensor signals and is connected to a transmitter. To minimize power consumption, the magnetic field sensors may be configured to have sensor on times and sensor off times. The on/off state of the magnetic field sensors may be controlled by either a dedicated sensor controller or the data unit.

Abstract: A comb frequency generator that is tunable to vary the width of the pulses in the output signal and achieve a maximum power output at different harmonic frequencies. A wavefront compression device receives a sinusoidal input signal and provides wavefront compression to create a compressed signal having a series of periodic fast edges. A delay device receives the fast-edge compressed signal and delays the fast-edge signal to create a delayed fast-edge signal. A combining device receives the original fast-edge compressed signal and the delayed fast-edge compressed signal to generate an output signal including a series of pulses having a width determined by the delay of the delayed signal. In one embodiment, the delay device is a shorted transmission line stub having a length selectively set by a series of MEM devices. In another embodiment, the delay device is an NLTL variable time delay device that delays the fast-edge signal.

Abstract: In trigger/firing arrangement in a Marx generator comprising n stage capacitors—n being a natural number greater than 1-, the same amount of spark gaps and 2(n?1) charging branches, with the spark gaps operating in a self-breakdown mode, the trigger-/firing arrangement comprises at least a pulse transformer connected to an pulse generator in at least one of the charging branches of the Marx-generator, which with the associated stage capacitor bridges a spark gap—except for the output end spark gap—a pulse transformer is disposed, whose output winding operates during charging as a charging winding and whose input winding is connected to the pulse generator in such a way that the voltage pulse generated with this pulse transformer during triggering of the pulse generator is added to the charge voltage of the associated stage capacitor and, with a corresponding polarity, generates an over-voltage sufficient for initiating self-breakdown at this spark gap.

Abstract: A vector inversion generator utilizes closed-path ferrites to modify the characteristics of the generator. The closed-path ferrites increase an inductance within a portion of the generator and additionally provide a protective shield for associated electronic circuits. By increasing the inductance, the closed-path ferrites increase the voltage efficiency and the energy efficiency of the generator.

Abstract: A pulse generator including a control logic operating, by control pulses, a switch connected on the input side with a voltage supply unit and delivering a pulse voltage on the output side, there is connected, between control logic and the switch, a capacitor, which decreases the pulse voltage when the pulse frequencies are too low, and, additionally, arranged between voltage supply unit and switch, an RC-member, which decreases the pulse voltages when the repetition rates of the control pulses are too high, in order to enable use of the pulse generator in the explosion-protected area.

Abstract: A pulse duty deterioration detection circuit with a high monitoring precision is easily provided. The pulse duty deterioration detection circuit comprises a delay circuit comprised of a general-purpose gate circuit which generates a delayed synchronous to-be-monitored clock by delaying the to-be-monitored clock by a predetermined time, a latch circuit which detects based on the to-be-monitored clock and the delayed synchronous to-be-monitored clock that a value of a decrease in a pulse width to be determined by a pulse duty of the to-be-monitored clock becomes smaller than the predetermined time, and a flip-flop circuit which samples an output signal of the latch circuit based on the to-be-monitored clock.

Abstract: A high-voltage pulse generating circuit has an inductor, a first semiconductor switch, and a second semiconductor switch which are connected in series between opposite terminals of a DC power supply unit, and a diode having a cathode terminal connected to a terminal of the inductor which has another terminal connected to an anode terminal of the first semiconductor switch, and an anode terminal connected to a gate terminal of the first semiconductor switch. The inductor stores an induction energy when the first semiconductor switch is rendered conductive by a turn-on of the second semiconductor switch, and generates a high-voltage pulse when the first semiconductor switch is turned off by a turn-off of the second semiconductor switch.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a method for providing power to a device coupled to a communications switch through a data line is provided. The method includes determining that the device includes a diode. The method also includes providing power to the device in response to the determination.

Abstract: A pulse generator circuit is disclosed including a delay element coupled to a logic circuit. The delay element receives a clock signal CLK and a signal X and produces a signal XN dependent upon the clock signal CLK and the signal X. The logic circuit receives the clock signal CLK and the signal XN and produces a signal ACLK such that ACLK=CLK·XN?. The signal ACLK may include a series of positive pulses. The delay element may be, for example, one of multiple delay elements coupled in series, and signal X may be an output of a preceding one of the delay elements. A semiconductor device is described including the above pulse generator circuit and a self-resetting logic circuit. The self-resetting logic circuit receives the signal ACLK and one or more input signals and performs a logic operation using the one or more input signals during the positive pulses.

Abstract: An N-transistor switches a current of a first constant current source by a positive input pulse to generate an output pulse current where an overshoot and an undershoot appear. A P-transistor switches a current of a second constant current source by a negative correction pulse applied at timing of occurrence of the overshoot to generate a correction pulse current. Another N-transistor switches a current of a third constant current source by a positive correction pulse applied at timing of occurrence of the undershoot to generate a correction pulse current. These correction pulse currents are added to the output pulse current to obtain a current as a wavelength where the overshoot and undershoot are largely reduced.

Abstract: A solid state switching arrangement includes a transmission line which acts as a primary transformer loop and acts with secondary windings carried by switching modules to apply triggering signals to the switches. The arrangement may include greater than sixty modules.

Abstract: An output cycle of a pulse string generated from a pulse generating section (2) is divided by a pulse dividing section (3) and a signal having a cycle which is plural times as great as the cycle of an output pulse is output from the pulse dividing section (3). This signal is input as an interruption request signal to a CPU (1). Consequently, the CPU (1) can execute an interruption processing in a cycle which is plural times as great as the cycle of the output pulse. By the interruption processing, the number of pulses to be output is controlled.

Abstract: A substation is disclosed for use in a power transmission and distribution network. The substation comprises a single phase isolating high frequency transformer having at least one input winding and at least one output winding with corresponding input and output solid state switching networks. Each input solid state switching network comprises a plurality of semiconductor switching devices which receive an input waveform from the transmission network and output a high frequency waveform to the primary winding of the transformer. Likewise, each output solid state switching network comprises a plurality of semiconductor switching devices receiving a high frequency waveform from the secondary winding of the transformer and outputting an output frequency waveform from the substation. A control circuit is adapted to control the operation of the switching devices of the input and output switching networks to generate the output waveform from the input waveform.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for filtering a substantially square wave signal. At least a portion of the substantially square wave signal is applied to a first filter adapted to pass a range of frequencies adjacent the fundamental frequency and produce a first filtered signal. At least a portion of the substantially square wave signal is also applied to a plurality of second filters, where each of the second plurality of filters is adapted to pass a range of frequencies adjacent an odd harmonic component of the fundamental frequency and produce a second filtered signal. The first signal and the plurality of second filtered signals are combined to produce a representation of a square wave signal having a frequency substantially corresponding to the fundamental frequency.

Abstract: A method of providing real time digital pulse shaping includes: receiving a digital pulse input signal (31); applying the digital pulse input signal to first (33, 34, 35) and second (32, 36, 37) processing channels, the first processing channel including a CONCAVE shaper (34) and the second processing channel including a CONVEX shaper (36); applying selected digital control parameters to the CONCAVE shaper (34) and the CONVEX shaper (36) to produce desired first and second weigthing functions, and superposing the first and second weighting functions to produce a desired overall weighting function.

Abstract: A device and a method for generating intense and brief variations of magnetic pressure, predetermined and controlled, capable of being isentropic inside a sample (23) of solid material. An electromagnetic cell (1) includes a flat parallel line of conductive material having two branches (4, 5) in the form of planar plates, of similar shapes and dimensions, separated from each other by a distance of not more than 3 mm, one of which (4) bears the sample (23) rigidly fixed on the branch (4), the two branches (4, 5) being electrically connected to each other by an end junction strip (7), and electrically connected, opposite the end junction strip, to elements (2, 3) generating electric current pulses so as to produce in less than 500 ns an electric current flowing in the electronic cell (1).

Abstract: A solid-state pulse generator using a split magnetic core transformer is described. In one embodiment, the solid-state drive circuit uses MOSFETs switching a blumlein to produce a desired input pulses in a primary winding of the split magnetic core. The pulse length is determined primarily by the characteristics of the blumlein and the split core transformer. The “on” time of the solid-state devices can exceed the output pulse length, thereby reducing the chance of damaging voltage spikes. The use of a split magnetic core allows several solid-state drive circuits to be used in parallel to produce a single output pulse. In one embodiment, each solid-state drive circuit drives a separate single-turn primary winding of a split magnetic core transformer. In one embodiment, each core of the split core transformer has one primary winding.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for electrolyzing water for enhanced production of oxygen, hydrogen and heat by the steps of (i) providing an electrochemical cell comprising an isotopic hydrogen storage cathode, an electrically conductive anode and an ionically conducting electrolyte comprising water, and (ii) impressing a repeating sequence of voltages across the cathode and anode comprised of at least two cell voltage regimes, a first cell voltage regime consisting of a voltage sufficient to enhance cathodic absorption of hydrogen, and a second cell voltage regime consisting of at least one voltage pulse which is at least two times the voltage of the first cell voltage regime for a total duration no greater than 0.10 seconds.

Abstract: A data bus arrangement and method for connecting a plurality of nodes to one another through a star coupler arrangement of a data bus which uses a logical decision gate having a plurality of inputs corresponding to said plurality of nodes wherein the logical decision gate inputs receive electrical signals and outputs an electrical signal to be routed back to each of said plurality of nodes. Some of the nodes are connected through opt0-electric transducers to the inputs of the logical decision gate. These transducers convert optical input signals from the nodes to electric signals to the inputs of the logical decision gate and also convert the output from the logical decision gate back to optical signals to the nodes. A signal conditioning circuit modifies the output signal of the logical decision gate.

Abstract: An electronic pulse generation device has an emitter section having a plate shape, a cathode electrode formed on a front surface of the emitter section, an anode electrode formed on a back surface of the emitter section, and a pulse generation source which applies a drive voltage between the cathode electrode and the anode electrode through a resistor. The anode electrode is connected to GND through another resistor. A collector electrode is provided above the cathode electrode, and the collector electrode is coated with a phosphor layer. A bias voltage is applied to the collector electrode through another resistor.

Abstract: An apparatus for calibrating the pulse duration of an output signal of a signal source may be used, in particular, for measuring and setting a duty cycle of a signal output from the signal source. The apparatus includes a comparator having a first input, a second input and an output. A reference voltage supply is provided, which is connected to the first input of the comparator. A charge storing capacitor, the charge state of which is adjustable as a function of the pulse duration of the output signal of the signal source, is connected to the second input of the comparator. Finally, the apparatus includes a processor for setting the pulse duration as a function of the comparison signal output at the output of the comparator. The apparatus for signal calibration allows an on-chip calibration and renders complicated external calibration systems superfluous.

Abstract: A frequency correction circuit for accurately correcting clock signals of an oscillating frequency with a simplified configuration without adjusting an oscillator circuit generating the oscillating frequency. A count adjuster of a time-base counter (TBC) receives a delay control signal and a clock signal. The count adjuster includes an inverter and an AND gate. The inverter is responsive to the delay control signal and develops an output signal, while the AND gate receives the clock signal. During the high level period of the delay control signal, the AND gate sends out the clock signal, from which one clock has been erased, as a clock signal of the initial stage T-type flip-flop of a clock frequency divider, which then produces an output signal, from which deviations have been removed.

Abstract: The invention provides a magnetron drive circuit which drives a magnetron to produce a generally rectangular-shaped narrow transmission pulse having sharply shaped rising and falling edges. The magnetron drive circuit includes a nonlinear load circuit and an active damper circuit. The nonlinear load circuit becomes on at around 80% of a peak output voltage of a pulse transformer (at which the magnetron begins to oscillate) is connected to a secondary winding of the pulse transformer in parallel with the magnetron. The active damper circuit absorbs residual energy left in the pulse transformer without any need for an absorption resistor conventionally connected between both ends of a primary winding of the pulse transformer.

Abstract: A nonlinear transmission-line waveform generator for generating a comb of frequencies and relatively short duration pulses, for example, in the range of picoseconds and tens of picoseconds, that are adapted to being utilized with ultra wideband radios in order to improve the bandwidth of such radios by an order of magnitude, for example, up to tens and even hundreds of GHz. In particular, the nonlinear transmission line waveform generator in accordance with the present invention consists of a microstrip or coplanar waveguide line. In accordance with an important aspect of the invention, the &Dgr;C/&Dgr;V characteristic of the nonlinear transmission line is matched to the frequency and amplitude of the input sinusoidal waveform.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing harmful ingredients in gas by irradiating the gas with an electron beam. The apparatus comprising a voltage generating unit adapted to generate a high-frequency and high voltage signal, and a reaction unit coupled to the voltage generating unit to receive the high-frequency and high voltage signal, the reaction unit including an electron beam pole having a plurality of openings along the surface of the electron beam pole, and a plurality of discharge cells for each opening, the discharge cells being disposed to face the corresponding opening for generation of the electron beam therebetween, the region between the discharge cells and the openings defining a reaction region through which the gas travels.

Abstract: A high-voltage pulse generating circuit has an inductor, a first semiconductor switch, and a second semiconductor switch which are connected in series between opposite terminals of a DC power supply unit, and a diode having a cathode terminal connected to a terminal of the inductor which has another terminal connected to an anode terminal of the first semiconductor switch, and an anode terminal connected to a gate terminal of the first semiconductor switch. The inductor stores an induction energy when the first semiconductor switch is rendered conductive by a turn-on of the second semiconductor switch, and generates a high-voltage pulse when the first semiconductor switch is turned off by a turn-off of the second semiconductor switch.

Abstract: A pulse generation circuit delivers an output pulse whose width is tailored to the load. The pulse generation circuit comprises the following components. A drive circuit has an input coupled to receive a clock signal and an output coupled to drive a load. A comparator has an input coupled to the output of the drive circuit. Another input of the comparator is supplied by a reference voltage. A feedback circuit comprises logic gates and is coupled between the output of the comparator and the input of the drive circuit. The feedback circuit terminates a pulse output from the drive circuit when the pulse voltage output from the drive circuit exceeds the reference voltage. The reference voltage is higher than a voltage required to trigger the logic gates and a voltage required to drive the load. This ensures that the load is driven adequately over a wide range of load currents and capacitances.

Abstract: The present invention is a device using a non-linear capacitor and voltage amplification effect, which can generate a pulse having a short pulse width at high voltage. The device comprises a rectification circuit for rectifying the AC input power supply, a semiconductor switch connected to one output terminal of said rectification circuit, a primary coil connected between an output of said semiconductor switch and the other output terminal of said rectification circuit, a diode in which the cathode thereof is connected to the output of said semiconductor switch, a capacitor connected between an anode of said diode and the other output terminal of said rectification circuit, a secondary coil in which one terminal thereof is connected to the anode of said diode, a non-linear capacitor connected between the other terminal of said secondary coil and the other output terminal of said rectification circuit, and a load connected in parallel across two terminals of said non-linear capacitor.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating electromagnetic pulses includes circuitry comprising an induction coil having a silver anode projecting into the coil. Moveable silver mass elements are adjustably mounted on the anode. The circuitry is immersed in liquid hydrogen and when energized produces electromagnetic pulses. If is believed that some of the anode material is consumed during the production of EMP converting the anode material into electromagnetic radiation energy. As the consumption continues the elongate anode assembly produces a composite wave form that equates to the size, shape and arrangement of the mass elements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stepped micro electromechanical structure (MEMS) capacitor that is actuated by a plurality of MEMS switches. The MEMS switches may be within the stepped capacitor circuit, or they may be actuated by an independent circuit. The stepped capacitor may also be varied with intermediate steps of capacitance by providing at least one variable capacitor in the stepped MEMS capacitor structure.

Abstract: A saturable reactor is in a conductive state or has a magnetic switching function depending on the direction of the current flowing through it. Also provided is a power source apparatus for pulse laser utilizing the satiable reactor.

Abstract: A pulse signal generator comprises a detecting assembly including a magnetic element wire (5) and a coil (2) wound around a bobbin (6) to generate electric pulses and a waveform shaping circuit integrated with the detecting assembly so as to shape the waveform of the electric pulses to output a pulse signal.

Abstract: The principal reason that commercially available 10 gigabits per second electrical interconnect has not previously been available is that such interconnect structures possess too high a level of parasitic inductance, capacitance, resistance and conductance. These result in signal degradation as a result of attenuation, harmonic distortion and dispersion and so sufficiently error-free transmission of data has been virtually impossible for high data rates such as those around 5 gigabits per second and above. By providing compensation mechanisms, signal integrity is improved thus enabling reliable data transmission at data rates of 5 gigabits per second, 10 gigabits per second and above. Non-linear transmission lines are used to form these compensation mechanisms. The non-linear transmission line may take the form of a distributed diode, for example, formed from a layer of N-doped silicon covered on its top surface by a layer of platinum and on its bottom surface by a layer of silicon dioxide.

Abstract: A pulse generation circuit delivers an output pulse whose width is tailored to the load. The pulse generation circuit comprises the following components. A drive circuit has an input coupled to receive a clock signal and an output coupled to drive a load. A comparator has an input coupled to the output of the drive circuit. Another input of the comparator is supplied by a reference voltage. A feedback circuit comprises logic gates and is coupled between the output of the comparator and the input of the drive circuit. The feedback circuit terminates a pulse output from the drive circuit when the pulse voltage output from the drive circuit exceeds the reference voltage. The reference voltage is higher than a voltage required to trigger the logic gates and a voltage required to drive the load. This ensures that the load is driven adequately over a wide range of load currents and capacitances.

Abstract: The pulse signal generating apparatus includes a control circuit, a shift register, a counter and a processor. The control circuit generates a trigger signal to trigger a transition of a signal level. The shift register to which level data to define a signal level is set and in which the level data is serially shifted in response to the trigger signal from the control circuit to generate a pulse signal. The pulse signal is generated based on data shifted out from the shift register. The counter increments a content according to the trigger signal from the control circuit to generate an interruption signal every time the content reaches a predetermined value. The processor sets the level data in the shift register in response to the interruption signal from the counter.

Abstract: A pulse generator comprising a microwave source (T, 60) which delivers a pulsed signal into a resonant compression cavity (15) equipped with a switching device (21) for opening it or closing it. The pulsed signal being stored in the resonant compression cavity (15) when closed in order to be compressed therein before being delivered with a greater amplitude and a smaller width when the resonant compression cavity (15) is open. The microwave source (T) is of the amplifier type with an instantaneous bandwidth including the resonant frequency of the resonant compression cavity. It receives at the input (C1) an input signal to be amplified which is taken from the resonant compression cavity (15).

Abstract: A waveform correction filter is connected into an alternating current power line to absorb and remove various forms of power pollution, including high-frequency spikes, surges and other forms of high-frequency oscillations, such as those which result from switching inductive loads on and off. The waveform correction filter of the invention includes a fuse and a coaxial amorphous toroidal inductor connected between a power line and neutral with a low-pass filter connected in series with the fuse and coaxial amorphous toroidal inductor. The filter includes a capacitor, a varistor connected in parallel with said capacitor, and a magnetic core inductor connected in series with each other and in parallel with the capacitor and said varistor. A lamp may be connected in series with the resistor and the magnetic core inductor or across the resistor. Various arrangements are shown for connecting a plurality of the waveform correction filters into single phase or three-phase Wine or delta circuits.

Abstract: A high voltage pulse generator provides a short, fast rise, high voltage pulse from a very low impedance suitable for initiating high energy electrical discharges in liquids and high pressure gases. Its low impedance allows extremely high currents from external energy storage capacitors to be conducted through the invention once the invention has initiated an arc. Its fast rise time is suitable for initiating multiple arcs or even sheet surface discharges in high pressure gasses under suitable conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optically programmable electric generator of arbitrary time profiles, which comprises a first ultrahigh frequency triggering line (10) and a second ultrahigh frequency discharge line (12) resistively coupled, by points, the first line being triggered by a voltage transition of duration less than one nanosecond, at least one point being taken off from the first line (10) by at least one photoconductor in variable resistance mode, directly coupled to the second line, illuminated by a programmable light source (13). A resistive load is connected at the output (S) of this generator.

Abstract: A pulse generator comprises a pulse forming line having a helical core winding surrounded by an outer winding, and a transformer having primary and secondary windings. The secondary winding is arranged about the core winding and the primary winding is arranged to co-act with the secondary winding such that the primary winding energizes the secondary winding when a suitable voltage is applied to the primary winding by a charging circuit connected to either end of the winding. The secondary winding through transformer action charges the pulse forming line. The pulse forming line has a load and a switch connected between the core winding and the outer winding. At the appropriate time the switch is closed such that energy stored in the line is discharged to the load as a pulse.