A Pulse forming network (PFN) converts direct current or alternating current to continous directional square pulses at high energy levels of high frequency. A pulse forming network circuit for storing energy in a thyratron modulator uses essentially a short section of an artificial transmission line. The output pulse is then applied to an oscillating device, such as a magnetron. Use of transformers in specific numbers can achieve an efficient match between a klystron and the pulse-forming network.

Used for:

• radar modulators; and,
• missile operations.

Type "E" is the most generally used. Type "E" networks have equal capacitance per mesh. Type "E" networks have mutual inductance between adjacent coils.

See also

• Pulse-code modulation
• Pulse-position modulation
• Pulse-width modulation
• Pulse-density modulation

External links and references

• "Pulse Forming Networks". Plastic Capacitors, Inc.
• Goldwasser, Samuel M., "Pulse Forming Network 1". (A PFN1-SCH 1.1 / PFN1) September 29, 2000. (PDF)
• Eric Heine, "Conversion". NIKHEF Electronic Department, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
• Wolff, Christian, "Modulator Switching Device".
• "Pulse power system design". United Defense, Arlington, VA.
• Riepe, Kenneth B., "High-voltage microsecond pulse-forming network". Review of Scientific Instruments Vol 48(8) pp. 1028-1030. August 1977. (Abstract)