2-kV Thyristor Triggered in Impact-Ionization Wave Mode by a Solid-State Spiral Generator

Impact-ionization wave triggering of a thyristor enables it to switch significantly higher currents with much faster rise times ( $\text{d}I / \text{d}t$ ) than through conventional triggering; indeed tests on commercial components demonstrate that both current and can be increased an order magnitude over their specified datasheet values by utilizing impact ionization. However, creating ionization places stringent requirements the generator used trigger thyristor—particularly pulse must have voltage rate notation="LaTeX">$\text{d}V more 1 kV/ns amplitude twice thyristors static breakdown voltage. Given capacitance is relatively large, often hundreds pF, this difficult achieve many common methods. In study, we present bespoke, cost-effective, has been developed based spiral/vector inversion techniques coupled optimized sharpening circuit. Using generator, 2-kV single 4-kV stack two in series were triggered impact-ionization mode. The had wafer diameter 32 mm capacitances 370 pF. With 100 shots performed switching peak 1.25 kA associated 12 kA/ notation="LaTeX">$\mu \text{s}$ . thyristors, 2.6 25 achieved. all experiments no degradation semiconductor structure was observed. work opens way for developing very powerful, but still compact, solid-state generators larger pulsers wide range pulsed power applications.