Development of a High Voltage Arbitrary Waveform Generator Capable of Simulating the Natural Electric Fields Arising from Stepped Downleaders

In this paper we describe the main features of a new prototype, high voltage, arbitrary waveform generator. The generator is capable of precisely simulating the rapidly escalating electric field due to a lightning downleader, including the well-known steps or pauses as the leader progresses toward its point of attachment near the ground. It utilises a computer controlled interface that drives a set of series-stacked flyback transformers. The resulting output is any desired (montonically) increasing waveform, downloaded from the computer.