New modular high-voltage pulse generator based on SEPIC converter for electroporation applications

High-voltage (HV) pulses are widely used in many applications. This study proposes a new HV unipolar pulse generator based on Single-Ended Primary-Inductance Converter (SEPIC) for electroporation applications. The converter in the proposed pulse generator operates in discontinuous conduction mode with continuous input current. The proposed structure uses voltage-boosting modules that are fed from a relatively low voltage DC source with a reduced number of semiconductors. The number of semiconductor devices and the voltage stress across them are important issues for HV pulse generators. The proposed approach does not have any chopping switches at the output stage, which greatly affects cost, efficiency, and system control. The employed semiconductor switches and diodes in the proposed topology have low voltage and current stresses, so the structure can be implemented with the market-available semiconductor technology. Mathematical analysis is presented along with a full design of the system components. Finally, simulation and experimental results are presented to validate the proposed concept.