Comparative Analysis of Solid-State Marx Generator Configurations for Enhanced High-Voltage Pulse Performance

This paper presents a comparative study of various configurations of solid-state Marx (SSM) generators, focusing on performance enhancements through specific modifications. Traditional Marx generators use capacitors, resistors, and switches to generate high-voltage pulses without pulse transformers. The advent of solid-state switches has led to more compact and versatile designs. This study investigates five SSM configurations: a basic SSM generator and versions modified with inductors, Boost-Marx, Buck-Boost, and a two-group capacitor approach. Simulations conducted using MATLAB Simulink demonstrate the impact of these modifications on output voltage characteristics for input voltages ranging from 200 V to 1400 V, across 4, 8, and 12-module setups. Results indicate that the Boost-Marx modification consistently produces the highest voltage spikes with a linear increase in output, while the inductor-modified configuration shows less predictability. The Buck-Boost and the two-group capacitor modifications offer varying advantages depending on the number of modules and specific application requirements. The findings highlight the trade-offs between predictability, component usage, and voltage performance, providing insights for selecting the optimal SSM configuration for diverse industrial applications.