Modular Pulsed Electric Field Generator Based on Modular Multilevel Converter Topology With Four Half Bridge Submodules To Experience With Biologic Loads

Abstract

A brief explanation of the concepts about pulse generation and its applications on biological loads emphasizing the importance of using correct pulse characteristics is the starting point to put up a framework for the overall discussion in this paper. Mentioning the promising results of submicrosecond pulse treatments, the increasing requirement of fast switching devices is pointed out. Later, multimodule converters (MMCs) are being focused on due to their advantages like their liberty to control pulse shape and switching speed. The adapted topology based on multimodule converters having four half bridge submodules is, then, explained in detail including a brief introduction of main concepts, the operating principles, and basic circuit analysis. After a discussion mainly derived from simulation results up to fifty-megahertz level, a conclusion and some future possibilities like wide bandgap device utilization will be revealed mostly referring to possible practical challenges of fast switching circuits.