For decades, pulse power technology has enabled some of the world's most demanding scientific, medical and industrial systems. From fusion energy research and particle accelerators to pulsed X-ray equipment and advanced manufacturing, these applications all rely on the ability to release enormous amounts of stored electrical energy in an extremely short period of time.

Delivering this energy reliably requires semiconductor devices specifically designed to withstand electrical stresses that far exceed those encountered in conventional power electronics.

Dynex Semiconductor has been developing high-power semiconductor technologies for more than 70 years and offers a comprehensive portfolio of pulse power thyristors, fast recovery diodes, power assemblies and customised solutions engineered for these demanding applications.

What is Pulse Power?

Unlike conventional power systems that continuously deliver electrical energy, pulse power systems first store energy before releasing it in a precisely controlled burst. This creates extremely high peak power over durations measured in microseconds.

Pulse power technology combines four essential characteristics:

• high peak power
• Short pulse duration
• Precise and repeatable switching
• Highly controlled energy delivery

This approach makes it possible to achieve power levels that would be impractical using continuous power generation alone.

Why Pulse Power Matters

Many emerging technologies require very high energy delivered almost instantaneously. Pulse power enables engineers to generate massive bursts of energy without requiring continuously high electrical input power.

Key advantages include:

• High peak power delivery
• Accurate pulse timing
• Efficient transfer of stored energy
• Scalability from laboratory systems to large industrial installations

These characteristics make pulse power indispensable wherever extreme electrical performance must be delivered repeatedly and reliably.

Applications Driving Pulse Power Innovation

Demand for pulse power technology continues to grow across numerous industries.

Typical applications include:

• Fusion energy systems for plasma initiation, heating and confinement
• Particle accelerators used in high-energy physics research
• Medical imaging and radiation therapy equipment
• Magnetic pulse welding and advanced manufacturing processes
• Electromagnetic launch systems and specialist defence applications
• Geophysical exploration and plasma drilling technologies

As these technologies become increasingly sophisticated, the demands placed on power semiconductor switches continue to rise.

The Challenge of Pulse Power Switching

Pulse power switching presents unique challenges that conventional semiconductor devices are not designed to withstand.

A pulse power switch must tolerate:

• Very high current rise rates (di/dt)
• Extremely high surge currents
• High blocking voltages
• Repetitive pulsed operation
• Precise switching with minimal timing variation

Rather than continuously controlling power flow, pulse power devices must repeatedly release large amounts of stored energy in a single controlled event while maintaining long-term reliability.

Why Solid-State Switching Has Become the Preferred Technology

Historically, pulse power systems relied upon gas-filled switching devices such as spark gaps, thyratrons and ignitrons.

Modern solid-state pulse power thyristors offer significant operational advantages, including:

• Longer operational lifetime
• No mechanical wear
• Low timing jitter
• Millions of switching cycles
• Reduced maintenance requirements
• Improved repeatability

For many pulse power applications, solid-state switching delivers greater reliability while simplifying system maintenance and improving long-term performance.

Dynex Pulse Power Thyristors

Dynex pulse power thyristors have been specifically engineered for high-energy pulse discharge applications where precision, reliability and repeatability are essential.

Key features include:

• Very high di/dt capability
• High surge current capability
• Low on-state losses
• Robust junction design
• High dV/dt capability
• Low timing jitter
• Long operational lifetime

Available in both symmetric and asymmetric blocking versions, the product range supports voltage ratings from 3.3 kV to 8.3 kV, enabling designers to optimise performance across a wide range of pulse power systems.

One example is the PT85 pulse power thyristor, capable of:

• 4.5 kV voltage rating
• 140 kA peak current
• 44 kA/μs di/dt capability

These characteristics make it particularly suitable for fusion energy, scientific research, defence systems and other high-energy pulse applications.

Supporting Complete Pulse Power Systems

Dynex provides more than individual semiconductor devices. Its pulse power portfolio includes:

• Pulse power thyristors
• Fast recovery diodes
• Integrated power assemblies
• High-voltage components
• Application-specific custom engineering

This broad capability enables customers to source complete semiconductor solutions from a single engineering partner.

Dynex works closely with OEMs, research organisations and system designers to develop customised semiconductor solutions tailored to specific application requirements.

Engineering support includes optimisation of:

• Device geometry
• Voltage ratings
• Current capability
• Packaging
• Thermal characteristics
• Device characterisation and testing

This collaborative approach ensures each solution is optimised for the electrical, thermal and mechanical demands of the final application.

The Future of Pulse Power

Global investment in fusion energy, advanced medical technologies, industrial processing and scientific research is driving continued innovation in pulse power systems.

To support these next-generation applications, semiconductor technologies must continue to deliver:

• Faster turn-on time
• Greater efficiency
• Higher voltage capability
• Longer operational life
• Lower jitter
• Higher peak current capability

Dynex continues to invest in semiconductor technologies that enable increasingly powerful, efficient and reliable pulse power systems for tomorrow's most demanding applications.