A Blumlein-type, nanosecond pulse generator with interchangeable transmission lines for bioelectrical applications

Abstract

The design and realization of a nanosecond, high-voltage electric pulse generator for bioelectrical applications is reported in this paper. A Blumlein type architecture was adopted, with some modifications, and realized in a microstrip line configuration with meander-shaped conducting strips, and with ultra-fast, high voltage solid state switches. Three microstrip-lines have been realized in such a way that, being interchangeable within the structure, they allow to match different load impedances. A fiber optic-based system was also realized to separate the high voltage side of the system from the switch-control circuit. The system is suitable for applying high voltage nanosecond electric pulses, with variable pulse duration, amplitude, repetition rate and polarity, to liquid media with different electromagnetic characteristics, hosted in electroporation cuvettes with different gap dimensions.