Development and application of an empirical thyristor type switch model for pulse generator simulation

Recent developments in semiconductor design and fabrication have led to the realization of more robust thyristor-type silicon switches. A single device is capable of holding off up to 4 kV and switching up to 14 kA for single pulses, or 10 kA for repetitive pulses. These switches may be used to design pulse generators that do not utilize any traditional gaseous high power switches, leading to more compact generators with longer lifetimes, greater reliability, less jitter, and that require less maintenance.

Simulation of a pulse generator is often useful for design evaluation and optimization before construction. However, the validity of simulation results is dependent on the accuracy of the models used to describe the nonlinear components in the circuit. To this end, an empirical SPICE model is developed for Silicon Power's CCS SC 14N40 thyristor-type switch. The development of the model is detailed, and SPICE simulations of the model are compared to experimental measurements with reasonable agreement. The model is intended for use in evaluation of the performance of a linear transformer driver (LTD) type pulse generator as a possible driver for a virtual cathode oscillator (vircator) high power microwave generator.