Electrical and Computer Engineering ETDs
Publication Date
Fall 11-15-2024
Abstract
This dissertation presents research on a class of solid-state opening switches that have enabled the generation of repetitive, high-power nanosecond pulses with the use of intermediate inductive energy storage. Two opening switches named the Drift Step Recovery Diode (DSRD) and the Semiconductor Opening Switch (SOS) have significantly increased the capabilities of nanosecond solid-state generators in comparison to previously built semiconductor-based technologies. However, the experimental characterization and design tradeoffs in the use of these switches has remained unreported. Therefore, a flexible circuit capable of characterizing both DSRD and SOS switches has been developed as well as demonstrations of pulse generators with different DSRD and SOS devices. Experience with these circuits as well as an understanding of the physics of the devices have enabled the development of a compact model of the opening switch for use in SPICE modeling, greatly simplifying the design process. In addition to this, a novel high-bandwidth derivative voltage probe was developed to diagnose the performance of these switches on printed circuit boards.
Keywords
Pulsed Power, Microwaves, Semiconductor Switches, Opening Switches
Document Type
Dissertation
Language
English
Degree Name
Electrical Engineering
Level of Degree
Doctoral
Department Name
Electrical and Computer Engineering
First Committee Member (Chair)
Dr. Jane Lehr
Second Committee Member
Dr. Mark Gilmore
Third Committee Member
Dr. Ali Bidram
Fourth Committee Member
Dr. Andrew Fierro
Recommended Citation
Smith, David O.. "Nanosecond Semiconductor Opening Switches for High Power Microwaves." (2024). https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/ece_etds/695
