SATURABLE
REACTORS
Saturable reactors utilize the large
change between unsaturated and saturated
permeabilities of their cores to delay
current for a preset period of time.
Similarly, once saturated in the forward
direction, they act as a diode temporarily
blocking current in the reverse direction.
(see
figure, below)
MAGNETIC
SWITCH PROTECTION (MSP)
MSP devices made with Metglas®cores
have dramatically enhanced the reliability
and overall lifetime of pulse power
systems. By using a saturable reactor
in series with either a semiconductor
or thyratron switch, the circuit designer
can reduce losses in the switch and
extend its life. The saturable reactor
is designed to hold-off current until
the switch becomes fully conductive
(see figure, right). This delay reduces
the overlap between current and voltage
in the switch, thereby reducing power
absorber in the switch. MSP also offers
other advantages. Higher di/dt's to
the load are safely achieved by waiting
for full conductivity in semiconductor
switches. The diode-like characteristic
of a saturated reactor provides time
for switch recovery.
MAGNETIC
PULSE COMPRESSION (MPC)
Magnetic pulse compression utilizes
reactors in conjunction with capacitors
to shape input pulses into narrow
output pulses of much higher current
. MPC, therefore, allows the designer
to use less expensive input switches
with lower current ratings. MPC can
also extend the lifetime of the input
switch. Advanced MPC devices - capable
of generating power levels of multi-terawatts
in tens of nanoseconds - have been
realized utilizing Metglas®
cores.
Other
Applications
Typical
Metglas® Pulse Power
Core Properties
Dynamic
BH Loops of Metglas®
Pulse Power Cores
Design Example:
Magnetic Pulse Compression
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