Power modulators for pulsed microwave applications, generally utilizing a thyratron-switched PFN, typically produce 50-120 kV, 1-2 kA microsecond timescale pulses with sub-microsecond ( -100-200 nsec) risetimes. This paper will review an investigation into the feasibility of utilizing certain solid-state power switches at the relatively fast speeds required for HPM modulators. Two very differen...

In this paper, the structural features and the methods of turning on high power thyristors, reverse blocking diode thyristors and light activated silicon switches are reviewed. The advantages and limitations of these devices are described together with a description of the performance achieved to date by the various devices. Finally, the operation of these devices in series strings to form high...

Securing the critical infrastructure power grid is one of the biggest challenges in securing cyberspace. In this environment, control devices are spread across large geographic distances and utilize several mediums for communication. Given the required network topology of the power grid several entry points may exist that can be utilized for compromising a control network. This article explores...

This paper explores how and why Cuba resists “transition” and introduces ideas for an alternative theoretical approach.

In this paper we address the problem of reducing the power dissipated by synchronous sequential circuits. We target the reduction of the average switching activity of the input and output state variables by minimizing the number of bit changes during state transitions. Using a probabilistic description of the nite state machines, we propose a state assignment algorithm that minimizes the Boolea...

State estimation is the foundation of any control and decision making in power networks. The first requirement for a secure network is a precise and safe state estimator in order to make decisions based on accurate knowledge of the network status. This paper introduces a new estimator which is able to detect bad data with few calculations without need for repetitions and estimation residual cal...

This article describes the solid-state chemistry of intercalation compounds that underpins a revolutionary new rechargeable lithium battery which has recently achieved phenomenal commercial success. The battery can store more than twice the energy compared with conventional alternatives of the same size and mass and holds the key to the future improvement of consumer electronic products (e.g. m...

Particle accelerators usually require high voltage and high power. Typically, the high voltage/power generation utilizes a topology with an energy store and switching mechanisms to extract that stored energy. The switches may be active or passive devices. Active switches are hard or soft vacuum tubes, or semiconductors. When required voltages exceed tens of kilovolts, numerous semiconductors ar...