Patent ID: 7514935
Filing Date: 2009-04-07
Classification: H01J,H05H

Abstract:
1. An apparatus comprising: a first and second output terminals; a power module configured to provide a voltage with a first polarity to the first and second output terminals, each of the first and second output terminals adapted to couple with a corresponding one of two conductors of a plasma-chamber-supply cable; and an arc-management module connected to the first and second output terminals, the arc-management module configured to provide, using energy stored in the plasma-chamber-supply cable, a reverse voltage across the first and second output terminals, the reverse voltage having a polarity that is opposite of the first polarity; a shunt switch connected between the first and second output terminals and arranged in parallel with the power module so as to be capable of shunting current from the power module when closed; a voltage-reversing module arranged in series with the first conductor, the voltage-reversing module configured to carry current with a series switch from the power module to the first conductor while the first and second output terminals have the first polarity and receive energy stored in the plasma-chamber-supply cable while the series switch is open so as to be capable of generating the reverse voltage; and a control module configured to close the shunt switch and open the series switch so as to enable the voltage-reversing module to generate the reverse voltage.