What is a Marx generator used for?

A Marx generator is a type of high voltage generator circuit. It is used to generate even higher voltage impulses from high voltage DC. A Marx generator is a circuit consisting of a resistor, a capacitor for high voltage, and a spark gap (electrode).

Who made the Marx generator?

the Russian Electrical Engineering Institute
The Marx generator — often mistaken in appearance for a Tesla coil — was constructed in the 1970s by the Russian Electrical Engineering Institute.

How do you calculate Marx generator?

The current calculations are: – Maximum current pulse I Max. = 225 mA – Next peak current pulse IR = 140 mA – Minimum current pulse I Min. = 85 mA – The time period is, T = 300 ns The Marx is charged up to (2 kV), the energy is: EMarx = 1/2 C V2 = 75.2 mJ. The output voltage pulses are shown in figures (14) and (15).

What are the components that are used for the construction of a 3 stage Marx circuit?

It consists of three electrodes namely main electrode, ground electrode and trigger electrode. The spark plug is used as a trigger electrode, so the trigger pulse is applied to spark plug. The trigger pulse from the pulse transformer triggers the first stage of the Marx generator.

What is the difference between Marx circuit and modified Marx circuit?

In the Marx circuit is of Fig. 6.17a the impulse wave shaping circuit is connected externally to the capacitor unit. In Fig. 6.17b, the modified Marx circuit is shown, wherein the resistances R1 and R2 are incorporated inside the unit.

How does Marx generator work?

A Marx generator is a type of electrical circuit whose purpose is to generate a high-voltage pulse by a number of capacitors that are charged in parallel and then connected in series by spark gap switches.

What does a pulse generator do?

A pulse generator is either an electronic circuit or a piece of electronic test equipment used to generate rectangular pulses. Pulse generators are used primarily for working with digital circuits, related function generators are used primarily for analog circuits.

How does a Marx generator work?

What is multi stage impulse generator?

A multistage impulse generator requires several component parts for flexibility and for production of the required wave shape. This may be grouped as d.c. charging set, charging resistors generator capacitors, spark gaps, wave-shaping resistors and capacitors, triggering system and voltage divider.

What is the use of an external trigger in a pulse generator?

Pulse trigger: Using an external waveform, it is possible to trigger the pulse generator. Pulse triggering can normally occur on either the negative or positive edge via a selection switch. Pulse delay: When a pulse is triggered it is normal to be able to select a delay for the pulse from the pulse generator.

What is a Jacob’s ladder electricity?

Jacob’s ladder, more formally known as a high-voltage travelling arc, is…well…a high-voltage travelling arc. When the voltage difference between two electrodes exceeds the breakdown voltage, a spark forms. The arc heats and ionizes the air in its immediate vicinity.

What do I need to make a Marx generator?

And you may need other common tools for this project… The marx generator requires a low-current, high voltage DC in the range 4-8KV power supply. Small, low-current HV power supplies are found in things like ionisers (air purifiers), photocopiers and laser printers, those should be suitable.

What causes a spark in a Marx generator?

When all of the spark gaps fires (sparks), the capacitors get effectively connected in series, therefor multiplying the input voltage by the number of capacitors and causing a long spark at the end of the marx generator.

Why is RB used in a Marx generator?

Rb has a ballasting effect, it is used to prevent a continuous arc forming across the first gap – this prevents further firing of the marx generator. The value of the resistor will mainly depend on the type of power supply is used, in this case, we are going to use an 10M resistor for this marx generator on this instructable.

How many capacitors are in a Marx generator?

There are 20 Marx stages assembled by stacking one over the other in the vertical towering shape. Each stage is made up of one 21-nF capacitor, one SG and two non-inductive resistors having a value of 50 each. The capacitor of each stage is charged by a DC power supply (0–30kV, 20mA).