Abstract: A label is described for attachment to an animal. The label includes a transmitting and receiving device having an electric oscillator circuit that, upon closure of the oscillator circuit, generates a periodic electric oscillator signal with an oscillation period for transmitting an electromagnetic beacon signal with the transmitting and receiving device. The label is configured for closing the electric oscillator circuit during a predetermined transmission duration, and is further configured for opening the electric oscillator circuit upon elapse of the predetermined transmission duration, wherein the predetermined transmission duration corresponds to at least one and at least a whole number of oscillation periods of the electric oscillator signal.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a charge pump circuit comprising a plurality of switches configured to control phases of the charge pump circuit for charging a first capacitor, a second capacitor and a third capacitor. The phases may include: a first phase that charges the first capacitor to a first voltage based on an input voltage; a second phase that charges the second capacitor to a second voltage based on the first voltage and the input voltage; a third phase that charges the first capacitor to a third voltage based on the input voltage; and a fourth phase that charges the third capacitor to a fourth voltage based the second voltage, the third voltage, and the input voltage. In some examples, one or more of the capacitors are charged with duty cycles that are less than 50 percent.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising a first layer of electrically conductive material and a second layer of electrically conductive material, and a plurality of impedance elements connecting said first layer with said second layer, wherein an impedance value of at least some of said plurality of impedance elements is controllable.

Abstract: An embodiment includes an apparatus comprising: a rod-shaped substrate including a rod long axis; a first layer, including a first interconnect, substantially surrounding the substrate in a first plane that is orthogonal to the rod long axis; and a second layer, including a second interconnect, substantially surrounding the first layer in the first plane. Other embodiments are described herein.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a source driver module for driving a display panel. The source drive module includes a source driver circuit, a first conductive wire and a first switch unit. The first conductive wire is electrically connected to the source driver circuit. The first switch unit is connected between the first conductive wire and a first data line of the display panel to conduct current therebetween during a first data outputting period and a second data outputting period, and to interrupt current therebetween during a first switch-off period connecting the first data outputting period and the second data outputting period. The source driver circuit outputs a first voltage signal during the first data outputting period and the first switch-off period; it outputs a second voltage signal during the second data outputting period; and it outputs the first voltage signal during the first switch-off period.

Abstract: A display device includes a display panel including first color pixels in a first pixel column, second color pixels in a second pixel column, third color pixels in a third pixel column, a first data line connected to the second color pixels in first through N-th pixel rows and connected to the first color pixels in (N+1)-th through 2N-th pixel rows, and a second data line connected to the third color pixels in the first through N-th pixel rows and connected to the second color pixels in the (N+1)-th through 2N-th pixel rows, where N is an integer greater than 1, and a data driver which applies a first polarity data voltage to the first data line, and applies a second polarity data voltage to the second data line.

Abstract: A current pulse generator circuit configured to be monolithically integrated into a single semiconductor die and provide high pulsing frequencies. A first GaN FET transistor controls the charging of a capacitor in a boost converter. A second GaN FET transistor controls the discharging of the capacitor through a load, such as a laser diode, connected to the boost converter. Both GaN FET transistors are preferably enhancement mode GaN FETs and may be integrated into the single semiconductor die, together with gate drivers. The diode in a conventional boost converter circuit can also be implemented in the present invention as a GaN FET transistor, and also integrated into the single semiconductor die.

Abstract: An Engine Start and Battery Support Module for a vehicle is provided that utilizes a bank of Ultra Capacitors (UCs) charged with or without running the vehicle's alternator to levels that support both engine starting assistance and hotel load support. The UCs' per-cell charge can be adjusted and raised during periods of low temperatures and even higher during ultralow temperatures. The adjustment, which can be dynamic and/or automatic, increases the UC energy storage capability. Further, the release of energy from the UCs is controlled by a pulse width modulation (PWM) controller based on the DC bus voltage. The UCs can be charged either from an onboard DC/DC converter, an AC hook up, or from smartly switching the banks of UCs between parallel and serial configurations.

Abstract: A high-voltage system for a vehicle includes a module having a resonant circuit coupled across powerlines, and a controller. The controller is programmed to, during a power up of the high-voltage system, propagate on the powerlines a first signal at a fundamental frequency for a first period. The controller is further programmed to, in response to a first impedance measured across the powerlines at the fundamental frequency during the period being less than a predetermined value, close main contactors to energize the module.

Abstract: An photodetection device according to an embodiment includes: a pixel including at least one cell, the at least one cell including an avalanche photodiode and a resistor connected in series to the avalanche photodiode; a voltage source configured to apply voltage to the cell of the pixel; and a temperature detecting circuit including a temperature detecting element configured to detect a temperature of the pixel, wherein the temperature detecting element includes: a photodiode having the same structure as the avalanche photodiode; and a light shielding structure disposed on an upper surface of the photodiode.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring transducer for charging stations of electric vehicles. In the measuring transducer, a measuring device is connected to a direct current charging circuit for detecting at least one direct current measurement variable. A transducer for converting the direct current measurement variable into an alternating current actuating variable is provided, and the measuring transducer also includes an actuating means for adjusting at least one alternating current variable in an alternating current measuring circuit as a function of the alternating current actuating variable.

Abstract: A pulse power device based on an annular ceramic solid state line. The pulse power device comprises several pulse forming lines (2), two charging inductors (1), and several gas switches that are connected as a whole based on Marx voltage superposition. The pulse forming lines (2) are annular pulse forming lines (2), and the annular surface of each annular pulse forming line (2) is provided with one gas switch. The annular pulse forming lines (2) are successively superposed together to form a column structure through the gas switches. Each charging inductor (1) passes through the inner ring of each annular pulse forming line (2) to be disposed inside the column structure. An annular insulation plate (3) is disposed between every two annular pulse forming lines (2).

Abstract: A bidirectional power converter circuit is controlled via a hysteresis loop such that the bidirectional power converter circuit can compensate in near real time for variations and even changes in transmit and receive coil locations without damaging components of the system. Because the bidirectional power converter is capable of both transmitting and receiving power (at different times), one circuit and board may be used as the main component in multiple wireless power converter designs.

Abstract: A system for generating pulsed power, including: an input receiving an input pulse; a pulse generator generating high voltage pulses including a first input receiving a signal from the input pulse in a charge phase of the generator and a second input receiving a trigger signal of a discharge phase of the generator; a control circuit connected to both the input for receiving the input pulse and to the second input of the generator, the control circuit configured to generate a trigger signal when the end of the input pulse is detected.

Abstract: An Engine Start and Battery Support Module for a vehicle is provided that utilizes a bank of Ultra Capacitors (UCs) charged with or without running the vehicle's alternator to levels that support both engine starting assistance and hotel load support. The UCs' per-cell charge can be adjured and raided during periods of low temperatures and even higher during ultralow temperatures. The adjustment, which can be dynamic and/or automatic, increases the UC energy storage capability. Further, the release of energy from the UCs is controlled by a pulse width modulation (PWM) controller based on the DC bus voltage. The UCs can be charged either from an onboard DC/DC converter, an AC hook up, or from smartly switching the banks of UCs between parallel and serial configurations.

Abstract: A well-logging tool may include a sonde housing and a radiation generator carried by the sonde housing. The radiation generator may include a generator housing, a target carried by the generator housing, a charged particle source carried by the generator housing to direct charged particles at the target, and at least one voltage source coupled to the charged particle source. The at least one voltage source may include a voltage ladder comprising a plurality of voltage multiplication stages coupled in a uni-polar configuration, and at least one loading coil coupled at at least one intermediate position along the voltage ladder. The well-logging tool may further include at least one radiation detector carried by the sonde housing.

Abstract: A well-logging tool may include a sonde housing, and a radiation generator carried by the sonde housing. The radiation generator may include a generator housing, a target carried by the generator housing, a charged particle source carried by the generator housing to direct charged particles at the target, and at least one voltage source coupled to the charged particle source. The at least one voltage source may include a voltage ladder comprising a plurality of voltage multiplication stages coupled in a bi-polar configuration, and at least one loading coil coupled at at least one intermediate position along the voltage ladder. The well-logging tool may further include at least one radiation detector carried by the sonde housing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high voltage pulse generator which can operate for a long time and has high pulse frequency. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the air stored in the air container is transmitted to the air duct by means of a hose over the regulator that adjusts the pressure and flow rate of the air. The air given into the air duct blows into the chamber through the nozzles. Then, this air is taken into this air duct by means of the nozzles placed on the other air duct and is transferred to the outer environment over an exhaust valve placed under the air duct. The air coming from the air container takes the place of the removed air.

Abstract: In embodiments, improved capabilities are described for dimming performance of lighting methods and systems, such as the improvement of dimming LED lamps that are dimmed from standard external dimming devices. Methods and systems for improving dimming performance include a fast startup override facility for overriding a default dimming function of the lamp's electronics through forcing the lamp electronics to operate with a higher than normal duty cycle to ensure the lamp electronics can deliver higher than normal power to an LED module during a dimming current level startup condition. Dimming facilities may also include a dynamic RC selection facility, an active N-level bleeder facility, a dimmer-type detection facility, an improved dimming linearity through symmetrical phase cutting facility, and a flicker reduction facility.

Abstract: A voltage conversion circuit has a plurality of primary capacitors charged by a power supply, a secondary capacitor connected in parallel to the respective plurality of primary capacitors that is charged at a voltage supplied to a load circuit, a plurality of switching circuits provided in association with the respective plurality of primary capacitors that change over a connection state between the primary capacitors and the secondary capacitor, and a connection control circuit that successively connects the respective primary capacitors to the secondary capacitor through the corresponding switching circuits, the respective primary capacitors across which the charging voltages reach a predetermined connection voltage higher than a charging voltage across the secondary capacitor.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electronic device includes at least one variable capacitor including a first electrode and a second electrode, and being brought into one of a first state and a second state according to a voltage applied between the first electrode and the second electrode, the first electrode and the second electrode being closer to each other in the second state compared with in the first state, and a charge pump circuit provided in a first integrated circuit chip and producing a voltage for establishing the second state. An external capacitor is connectable to the first integrated circuit chip and is receivable the voltage produced by the charge pump circuit.

Abstract: An inductively coupled transmission line with distributed electromotive force source and an alternative coupling model based on empirical data and theory were developed to initiate bridge wire melt for a detonator with an open and a short circuit detonator load. In the latter technique, the model was developed to exploit incomplete knowledge of the open circuited detonator using tendencies common to all of the open circuit loads examined. Military, commercial, and improvised detonators were examined and modeled. Nichrome, copper, platinum, and tungsten are the detonator specific bridge wire materials studied. The improvised detonators were made typically made with tungsten wire and copper (˜40 AWG wire strands) wire.

Abstract: A method specially designed for detecting events associated with partial discharges (PDs) in high voltage cables includes the identification of the location and the evaluation of the amplitude and rate of repetition per period of the grid voltage, with the possibility of identifying different sources producing PD signals as a function of the location thereof and recognising the type of defect associated with PDs in the same location. Generated electric signals are measured and the discriminated in relation to the background noise. A system for carrying out the method includes devices for discriminating the noise in relation to the transient waveform of the PD, determining the parameters associated therewith, determining the map of sources of PDs along the length of the cable, graphically representing the sources, and identifying the patterns of the sources of PDs separated as a function of the location thereof along the length of the cable.

Abstract: A high voltage circuit is provided for electrical pulse generation. The circuit includes an input voltage supply, a ground potential, a difference load, inverting and non-inverting Marx bank circuits connected respectively to output voltage nodes. The voltage supply has positive and negative terminals, with ground connecting to the voltage supply at the negative terminal. The output voltage nodes connect to the load. The inverting Marx bank circuit has a first n-plurality of stages in parallel, connecting at a first stage to the positive terminal and at a last stage at the inverting output node. The non-inverting Marx bank circuit has a second plurality of stages in parallel, connecting at a first stage to the positive terminal and at a last stage at the non-inverting output node. The load combines the inverting output voltage of minus n-times the input voltage with the non-inverting output voltage of plus n-times the input voltage for a total of 2n-times the input voltage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high voltage pulse generator which can operate for a long time and has high pulse frequency. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the air stored in the air container is transmitted to the air duct by means of a hose over the regulator that adjusts the pressure and flow rate of the air. The air given into the air duct blows into the chamber through the nozzles. Then, this air is taken into this air duct by means of the nozzles placed on the other air duct and is transferred to the outer environment over an exhaust valve placed under the air duct. The air coming from the air container takes the place of the removed air.

Abstract: A high voltage circuit is provided for electrical pulse generation. The circuit includes an input voltage supply, a ground potential, a difference load, inverting and non-inverting Marx bank circuits connected respectively to output voltage nodes. The voltage supply has positive and negative terminals, with ground connecting to the voltage supply at the negative terminal. The output voltage nodes connect to the load. The inverting Marx bank circuit has a first n-plurality of stages in parallel, connecting at a first stage to the positive terminal and at a last stage at the inverting output node. The non-inverting Marx bank circuit has a second plurality of stages in parallel, connecting at a first stage to the positive terminal and at a last stage at the non-inverting output node. The load combines the inverting output voltage of minus n-times the input voltage with the non-inverting output voltage of plus n-times the input voltage for a total of 2n-times the input voltage.

Abstract: A transmission line driver and a method for driving the same are provided, in which a composite current source is provided as an input current source, such that an output voltage is fixed. The composite current source includes an internal current source and an external current source. The composite current source is supplied to a single-ended transmission line driver or a differential transmission line driver, such that the output voltage is fixed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for regulating the state of charge of a battery. An exemplary electrical system includes a fuel cell coupled to a bus and a battery coupled to the bus via a switching arrangement coupled to a capacitor. An exemplary method for operating the electrical system involves operating the switching arrangement such that a voltage of the battery is substantially equal to a voltage of the fuel cell when a state of charge of the battery is greater than a lower threshold value and less than an upper threshold value, and operating the switching arrangement to couple the capacitor electrically in series between the battery and the bus when the state of charge of the battery is not between the lower threshold value and the upper threshold value.

Abstract: A wireless energy transfer system includes a first energy transfer unit having at least one resonant frequency, a second energy transfer unit having the at least one resonant frequency, and a load. The first wireless energy transfer unit includes a first coil magnetically coupled to a first wireless energy transfer cell, and the second wireless energy transfer unit includes a second coil magnetically coupled to a second wireless energy transfer cell. The first coil receives first energy and through the magnetic coupling between the first coil and the first wireless energy transfer cell, the first wireless energy transfer cell is caused to generate second energy, wherein the second wireless energy transfer cell receives the second energy and through the magnetic coupling between the second wireless energy transfer cell and the second coil, the second coil is caused to provide third electromagnetic wave energy to the load.

Abstract: A linear transformer driver includes at least one ferrite ring positioned to accept a load. The linear transformer driver also includes a first, second, and third power delivery module. The first power delivery module sends a first energy in the form of a first pulse to the load. The second power delivery module sends a second energy in the form of a second pulse to the load. The third power delivery module sends a third energy in the form of a third pulse to the load. The linear transformer driver is configured to form a flat-top pulse by the superposition of the first, second, and third pulses. The first, second, and third pulses have different frequencies.

Abstract: A spark gap switch for high power ultra-wideband electromagnetic wave radiation is provided. The spark gap switch includes a casing, electrodes, brackets and an electrode protrusion. Openings are formed in respective opposite ends of the casing. The electrodes are installed in the casing at positions spaced apart from each other in such a way that the electrodes face each other and are disposed inside the openings. The brackets are installed in the respective openings of the casing. The brackets fasten rear ends of the corresponding electrodes to the casing. The electrode protrusion is provided on a central portion of at least either of the electrodes to induce stabilized discharge. The maximum diameter of the electrodes is smaller than the inner diameter of the casing so that the circumferential outer surfaces of the electrodes do not make contact with the circumferential inner surface of the casing.

Abstract: An electric fence energizer provides automated reporting of faults and other events as well as fault location to reduce effort in diagnosing faults and intrusion events in electric fences by measuring impedance changes using a time-domain reflectometer. In some embodiments, methods determine the location of a fault in distance from the energizer and provide timely and appropriate condition information.

Abstract: The present invention provides a modulation circuit and a method for modulating a wireless power transfer circuit. The modulation circuit has a switching circuit having a first state and a second state. The modulation circuit also has a modulation mode in which the first state defines a normal state and the second state defines an operative state. In the operative state, the modulation circuit modulates an electrical parameter of the wireless power transfer circuit in a modulation direction. The modulation circuit is configured to apply a trial modulation to the electrical parameter to determine whether the modulation direction is in a desired modulation direction. The modulation circuit is also configured to apply a modulation translation if the modulation direction is not in the desired modulation direction, with the modulation translation changing the modulation mode such that the modulation direction is in the desired modulation direction.

Abstract: A clamping circuit includes a clamping core connected to an output terminal and having a central node connected to a voltage reference and at least one first and one second clamp transistor, connected to the central node and having respective control terminals, the clamping core being also connected at the input to a low voltage input driver block. The clamping core includes a first switching off transistor connected to the output terminal and to the first clamp transistor, as well as a second switching off transistor connected to the output terminal and to the second clamp transistor.

Abstract: A circuit apparatus for driving short current pulses through a laser diode is disclosed. The circuit allow fast recovery time, comparable to the pulse duration. This enables high duty cycle pulse trains and bursts. The fast recovery is achieved by a passively self gated charging of the pulse circuit.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for directly charging capacitors in a down-hole pulsed power system used for electrocrushing drilling. An above ground power supply is directly connected to the capacitors. The power supply can be a switching power supply, a DC supply, or an AC supply. Capacitor voltage is monitored and controlled. The system reduces noise caused by coupling control signal cables and the power cable, and does not have the ground swing control problems of other charging schemes. The power may alternatively be provided by microwave transmission.

Abstract: A switching arrangement for applying voltage pulses across a load, comprising a plurality of capacitive elements (C1-C9) connected in series, and a first switch arrangement (S) connected to the series connection to apply voltage pulses to the load, and a second switch arrangement (S1, S2) connected to a capacitive element of the series connection, such that one of the capacitive elements (C1) can be switched out of or switched into the series connection, in order to produce voltage pulses of respectively lower or higher levels, without the need to dissipate energy into a resistive load.

Abstract: A buffer circuit drives a capacitive load based on a voltage Vin. In a setup period, switches are in an ON state, and in a drive period, a switch is in an ON state. A voltage comparison unit compares the voltage Vin in the setup period and a voltage Vout in a drive period to output a comparison result voltage. A push-pull output unit includes a TFT for charge and a TFT for discharge. A drive control unit controls the TFTs to be in an OFF state in the setup period, and in the drive period, selectively controls the TFTs to be in an ON state in accordance with the comparison result voltage. If Vout<Vin, the comparison result voltage rises, the TFT becomes in an ON state, a voltage at a node falls, the TFT becomes in the ON state, and the voltage Vout rises. Thus, there is a provided a small-sized capacitive load drive circuit with low power consumption and robust against process variation.

Abstract: A vehicle interior light includes a lighting source that illuminates a vehicle interior; an decorative lighting source that decoratively illuminates the vehicle interior; a lighting switch that controls on-off state of the lighting source; an decorative lighting switch that controls on-off state of the decorative lighting source and the lighting source; and a light dimming unit that lowers illuminance of the lighting source. When the decorative lighting source is turned on, power is supplied to the decorative lighting source so that the decorative lighting source is lit up, while power is supplied to the lighting source through the light dimming unit so that the lighting source is lit up with low illuminance.

Abstract: A downhole explosive detonation comprises a high voltage electro-explosive initiator comprising an input high voltage power supply with a low impedance shunting fuse, a flexible electrical link and a capacitor discharge unit. Explosive is initiated in a direction approximately parallel, or in another version perpendicular to the capacitor discharge unit. A unique configuration and construction of the assembly allows installation through a small service port in the gun housing structure for more efficient gun arming. A real time downhole voltage monitoring is described that transmits voltage readings to the surface during a firing sequence.

Abstract: A novel design scheme for the compensation circuitry of solid-state Marx modulators has been described for enhancing the compensation ability of the compensation cells of solid-state Marx modulators and simplifying the entire circuitry of the modulator. High-speed solid-state switches are adopted in the new compensation cell for the control of the compensation actions. Inductive components and diodes are adopted in the design scheme to smooth the flattop of the voltage pulse output by the Marx modulator.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling power delivered to a pulsed power system which includes a command charge switch for controlling when power produced by a primary power system is fed into a cable. The command charge switch also controls the power delivered to the pulsed power system in a bottom hole assembly.

Abstract: A pulse generator that is capable of improving (e.g., increasing) the rising and falling speeds of its pulses. The pulse generator includes a third switch and a first diode serially coupled between a first power source and a data line; a fourth switch and a second diode serially coupled between the data line and a second power source configured to have a voltage lower than that of the first power source; a pulse controller for increasing a voltage of the data line to a voltage higher than that of the first power source or for reducing the voltage of the data line to a voltage lower than that of the second power source; and a first capacitor coupled between the pulse controller and the data line.

Abstract: This invention relates to a pulse generator circuit for delivering a short high current pulse to a load. This pulse generator comprises a junction recovery diode, a switch, a first resonant circuit and a second resonant circuit. The diode may be configured to store charges in its depletion layer when there is a forward flow of a current and to rapidly switch open after the depletion layer is discharged by a reverse flow of a current. After the diode rapidly switch opens, the pulse generator may provide a reverse current to the load. This pulse generator may be configured to generate at least one pulse that is having a length of no more than 100 nanoseconds at the full-width-at-half-maximum and an amplitude of at least 1 kilovolt. Electrodes may be connected to the pulse generator to deliver one pulse or plurality of pulses to biological cells such as tumor cells.

Abstract: A circuit is disclosed for a power supply unit for generating a DC voltage, the power supply unit having a current transformer, a rectifier, a series circuit including a first blocking diode and a charging capacitor, an electronic switch which is in parallel with the current transformer, a comparator, a voltage reference circuit for the comparator. In at least one embodiment, the circuit includes a circuit for monitoring the voltage across the charging capacitor. The comparator is used to control the electronic switch on the basis of the voltage across the charging capacitor in relation to the voltage which is generated by the voltage reference circuit and is applied to the comparator. In at least one embodiment, provision is made of a tap which is located between the rectifier and the first blocking diode and at which the circuit for monitoring the voltage across the charging capacitor is located. The circuit is in the form of an RC combination having a second blocking diode connected in series.

Abstract: This invention relates to a pulse generator circuit for delivering a short high current pulse to a load. This pulse generator comprises a junction recovery diode, a switch, a first resonant circuit and a second resonant circuit. The diode may be configured to store charges in its depletion layer when there is a forward flow of a current and to rapidly switch open after the depletion layer is discharged by a reverse flow of a current. After the diode rapidly switch opens, the pulse generator may provide a reverse current to the load. This pulse generator may be configured to generate at least one pulse that is having a length of no more than 100 nanoseconds at the full-width-at-half-maximum and an amplitude of at least 1 kilovolt. Electrodes may be connected to the pulse generator to deliver one pulse or plurality of pulses to biological cells such as tumor cells.

Abstract: Optimal operating techniques are disclosed for using coreless printed-circuit-board (PCB) transformers under (1) minimum input power conditions and (2) maximum energy efficiency conditions. The coreless PCB transformers should be operated at or near the ‘maximum impedance frequency’ (MIF) in order to reduce input power requirement. For maximum energy efficiency, the transformers should be at or near the “maximum efficiency frequency” (MEF) which is below the MIF. The operating principle has been confirmed by measurement and simulation. The proposed operating techniques can be applied to coreless PCB transformers in many circuits that have to meet stringent height requirements, for example to isolate the gates of power MOSFET and IGBT devices from the input power supply.

Abstract: These various embodiments serve to facilitate interlaced amplitude pulsing using a hard-tube type pulse generator having at least one energy-storage unit each comprising at least one energy-storing capacitor. Generally speaking, this comprises controlling an amount of energy withdrawn from the energy-storage unit and provided to an output load to form productive electric pulses by controlling at least one of: (1) energy replenishment; and (2) non-productive energy withdrawal of the energy-storage unit, to thereby achieve a series of productive interlaced amplitude electric pulses.

Abstract: An inductive pulse forming network stores electrical energy delivered from an outside prime power supply in the electric field of a low-voltage, high-energy density network capacitor. Through timed actuation of a series of one or more switches, the energy stored in the electric field of the network capacitor is subsequently converted to electrical energy stored in the magnetic field of a network inductor. The energy stored in the network inductor supplies high-current, high-power electrical energy to drive an electromagnetic launcher such as a railgun.

Abstract: The features of this invention allow construction and operation of a variety of high voltage, high repetition rated pulse generators of the Marx type that are switched with photon initiated semiconductor switches of the closing type. The photon initiated semiconductor switches can be constructed with bulk materials or in layered devices such as thyristors. Variations on the invention permit the formation of shaped high voltage pulses; particularly those that are nearly rectangular: with controlled rise and fall times, minimal or no overshoot, and minimal voltage ripple.