A Marx-based power converter topology as a current source for pulsed magnets in particle accelerators

A modified Marx-based solid-state topology for supplying inductive loads is presented. The basic principle of charging capacitors in parallel and discharging them in series is conserved. Due to the negative di/dt phase the inductive load imposes a reversible voltage power converter. Furthermore, in some applications such as eddy current septum magnets a negative current is required as well. The presented topology allows the production of controlled half or full sine waves, with or without short or long flat-tops. The solution is able to regenerate back to the capacitor banks the energy from the magnet. To shape the desired current it is possible to time-shift the discharge of different Marx cells. Numerical simulations are used to illustrate the functionalities of this solution. This flexible converter can be easily used for all pulsed current converters in accelerator facilities with a high degree of modularity and flexibility.