Resonant switching apparatus using a cascode arrangement

An apparatus for generating a periodic resonant pulse voltage across an inductance includes first and second switches coupled together in a series cascode arrangement. The cascode arrangement applies a first voltage to an inductance for storing energy therein. A periodic switching signal is coupled to the second switch. Each cycle of the switching signal includes a turn-on portion and a turn-off portion. The initiation of the turn-off portion makes the second switch nonconductive to enable the inductance and a resonating capacitance to form a resonant circuit that generates a resonant pulse voltage at a terminal of the resonant circuit. A damper switch is coupled to the inductance for terminating the generation of the resonant pulse voltage at the end of the first interval, prior to the initiation of the turn-on portion of the switching signal. The voltage at the resonant circuit terminal is coupled to the control electrode of the first switch for supplying current thereto during conduction of the damper switch. This enables the first switch to conduct current from the inductance during conduction of the second switch.