An improved commutation circuit for arresting and dissipating energy reflected from a magnetic pulse compression network

摘要

An improved commutation circuit configured to arrest and dissipate energy which may be reflected from a magnetic pulse compression network. The commutation circuit includes an energy storage capacitor for storing energy, a capacitor charging unit for charging the energy storage capacitor, a power supply protection circuit configured for isolating reverse voltages from the output of the capacitor charging unit, a series switch configured for conducting current in the forward direction and blocking current in the reverse direction to and from the energy storage capacitor, a magnetic assist device configured for isolating the reverse voltage from the switch, a trigger circuit configured for transmitting a trigger pulse signal to the switch to allow the transfer of reflected energy to the energy storage capacitor and a power supply configured for biasing the magnetic assist device. The improved commutation circuit also includes a tail-biter circuit in parallel with the energy storage capacitor for capturing and dissipating the reflected energy from the capacitor, thereby protecting the commutation circuit from reflected energy from a magnetic pulse compression network which can damage the components of the commutation circuit.