Patent ID: 6060791
Filing Date: 2000-05-09
Classification: H03K

Abstract:
An ultra-compact Marx-type high voltage generator, comprising:a plurality of high-energy-density capacitors which are the primary energy storage component of the generator, wherein said plurality of high-energy-density capacitors comprise electrodes having extended portions for making electrical connections with leads or tabs from the side as required for coupling and charging components, said electrodes further comprising a raised region in the center of said electrode;a plurality of low-profile, low-inductance switches comprising a central void and a peripheral portion of solid dielectric material, wherein said switches are sandwiched between said high-energy-density capacitors and in direct electrical contact with said electrodes of adjoining high-energy-density capacitors to provide electrical isolation of said high-energy-density capacitors during charging, to permit fast energy delivery between said high-energy-density capacitors during operation, and to provide high frequency operation of said generator;a plurality of forward coupling capacitors attached by electrical leads or tabs to said extended electrodes of said high-energy-density capacitors, and connected across successive switch-capacitor-switch stages, whereby they couple a portion of the energy released by the operation of one switch to nearby switches causing the nearby switches to operate in a successive fashion;a plurality of charging components attached by electrical leads or tabs to said extended electrodes of said high-energy-density capacitors, arranged so as to charge said high-energy-density capacitors in a parallel configuration and permit subsequent switching operation of said high-energy-density capacitors into a series configuration, and of sufficiently high impedance to provide stage-to-stage isolation and not impair operation of said generator; anda plurality of metalized surfaces on said solid dielectric material of said switches where they will be in direct contact with an adjoining metal electrode to eliminate electric fields from space where voids or imperfections which would cause failure of said solid dielectric material.