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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

High voltage electrical amplifier having a short rise time

Patent ·
OSTI ID:5628653

This patent describes a circuit, comprising an amplifier and a transformer which is disclosed that produces a high power pulse having a fast response time, and that responds to a digital control signal applied through a digital-to-analog converter. The present invention is suitable for driving a component such as an electro-optic modulator with a voltage in the kilovolt range. The circuit is stable at high frequencies and during pulse transients, and its impedance matching circuit matches the load impedance with the output impedance. The preferred embodiment comprises an input stage compatible with high-speed semi-conductor components for amplifying the voltage of the input control signal, a buffer for isolating the input stage from the output stage; and a plurality of current amplifiers connected to the buffer. Each current amplifier is connected to a field effect transistor (FET), which switches a high voltage power supply to a transformer which then provides an output terminal for driving a load. The transformer comprises a plurality of transmission lines connected to the FETs and the load. The transformer changes the impedance and voltage of the output. The preferred embodiment also comprises a low voltage power supply for biasing the FETs at or near an operational voltage.

Assignee:
Dept. of Energy, Washington, DC (United States)
Patent Number(s):
A; US 5049836
Application Number:
PPN: US 7-447454
OSTI ID:
5628653
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English