Advancements in Solid-State Modulators

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Contemporary pulsed power systems typically use solid-state modulators to maintain consistently high-voltage pulses. They operate with semiconductor switches that regulate pulses. At the same time, they reduce the need for maintenance and potential system shutdowns and downtime.

The solid-state modulator design is an upgrade from outdated thyratron-based solutions. As a result, these modulators offer superior performance and increased service life in medical equipment, radar systems, accelerators, and other applications requiring pulsed power.

At Stangenes Industries we provide a comprehensive selection of specialized transformers, pulse modulators, and electromagnetics, including the ability to customize systems and equipment for individual applications. We are ISO 9001:2015 registered and MIL-T-27- and MIL-I-45208- compliant and are committed to providing knowledgeable service, cost-effective solutions, and on-time results.

Keep reading to learn more about how solid-state modulators have transformed the use of pulsed electricity and the benefits they offer.

The Evolution From Legacy to Solid-State Modulators

Older modulator designs implemented thyratrons and vacuum tubes that presented multiple issues, including a large footprint, frequent maintenance needs, and an increased overall risk of failure. The change to solid-state technology improves reliability, shortens rise times, and extends longevity.

With MOSFET and IGBT switches, solid-state modulators are more compact, less costly to maintain, and less likely to fail, keeping pulsed power systems more stable.

Technical Advantages and Capabilities of Solid-State Modulators

Solid-state modulators make it easy to control the amplitude, wavelength, and frequency of electrical pulses. These highly precise and low-jitter pulses work in high duty cycles while optimizing fault tolerance and scalability through modular topologies.

Solid-state design also helps mitigate the risk of mechanical wear over time, keeping equipment fully functional for considerably longer periods than older thyratron-based models.

Industry Standards

ISO-9001-2015
International Organization for Standardization

General Information

Stangenes Industries designs and produces pulse modulators in standardized or custom configurations for military, medical, and industrial applications driving klystrons, magnetrons, lasers, or accelerators. We offer solid state modulators ranging from just a few kV to over 250kV pulses, pulse widths from 200ns to 5ms and average power ratings of up to 150kW.

Configurations Offered

Complete “turnkey” systems or an individual component for your system
Solid state Marx designs with or without a pulse transformer
Dynamically adjustable repetition rate, pulse width, and pulse amplitude
Solid state fractional turn pulse transformer modulators
“Line-type” modulator with a pulse transformer and solid-state switching
“Hard Tube Configuration” with pulse transformer using solid-state switching

Generally, you’ll benefit greatly from using these designs over the traditional modulators of the past, which cut down on operational costs while maximizing uptime.

The Future of Solid-State Modulators

While thyratron technology dominated the market for nearly a century, modulators started the transition to the far more efficient solid-state design over the last two decades. Thyratron designs were bulky, susceptible to failure, and less stable overall compared to solid-state designs, which offer optimal reliability, precision, and efficiency of operation.

Continuing into the future, developments in solid-state modulator design will make these devices even more efficient, compact, and powerful for use across a range of potential applications.

Some of these applications could include:

  • Linear accelerators and MRI machines in the medical industry.
  • Equipment sterilization and decontamination systems.
  • Pulsed electric field (PEF) systems that allow for more efficient food processing.
  • Laser metal cutting.
  • Material processing.

Researchers have also begun to look into solid-state modulators and pulsed power systems as a means of water purification, using them to eliminate contaminants like antibiotic-resistant bacteria and viruses from water. In doing so, these systems would consume less power to maintain clean, safe water supplies.

Stangenes Industries: Pioneering Custom Modulator Solutions

To get the best results from solid-state modulator technology, consider a customized system developed for your specific application. At Stangenes Industries, we work with our customers to provide custom high voltage pulse modulators with long service lives, improved efficiency, and fast rise times.

In addition to pulse modulators, we carry many types of high voltage and electromagnetic component products, such as:

  • Pulse transformers.
  • Electromagnets.
  • Power supplies.
  • Custom inductors.
  • General transformers.
  • Current transformers.
  • Isolation transformers.
  • Magnetic cores.
  • Voltage drivers.

Stangenes is a leading supplier of pulse power and electromagnetic solutions, with years of experience and continual improvement through rigorous R&D. Whether you are in the defense, medical, or other industries requiring high-voltage pulse power systems, our team is here to support your needs.

To learn more about our products, browse our entire catalog, or request a quote for a custom solid-state modulator or another solution. You may also contact us today to speak directly with one of our experts about your application.