Step-Down DC-DC Converter for Solid-State Marx Generator

A compact step-down dc-dc converter has been developed for applications to solid-state Marx generator. The purpose is to allow Marx switches to be able to operate without direct power supply from the ground level circuits. The main voltage across the switch is used as the power source which is converted to a dc voltage that can be used to power the drivers of the solid-state switches. Experiments have been carried out to demonstrate the ability and the performance of the dc-dc converter, as well as its effectiveness in a four-stage Marx generator.