Compact 400 kV Marx generator with common switch housing

A compact four stage Marx with six parallel Marx generators per stage and a common switch housing, developed for various Air Force applications, is described. Unique features of the compact Marx include a single cast epoxy switch housing common to each stage that can use six independent spark gaps or one continuous ring gap packaged in a housing measuring 76 cm in diameter, 56 cm in height and of 295 kg. Initial test results of the Marx into a 5 /spl Omega/ resistive load and rep-rate performance of the Marx's four stage 160 kV open air trigger Marx, are discussed. Individual Marx stages were designed to operate with a maximum bipolar +/-50 kV charge and erected capacitance of 60 nF providing a per pulse energy of 4.8 kJ. Design goals were to provide a 500 ns wide pulse with a 100 ns rise time into the 5 /spl Omega/ load. The spark gaps and capacitors are arranged radially at sixty degree intervals, and the latter are connected with simple banana plugs to provide easy removal. The switches are designed to operate with dry air pressurized to 80 psig, and the Marx was designed to be submerged in dielectric oil. The first stage of the Marx is triggered by the four stage 160 kV trigger Marx. Pulsed operation at several hertz was investigated for burst mode operation with and without gas flow. Possible investigation of an eight stage 800 kV Marx is contemplated.