Background Drift step recovery diodes are widely applied as high power semiconductor opening switches due to their fast recovery behavior and stable operation. When combined with magnetically saturated transformers, they provide an effective solution for generating high voltage nanosecond pulses. However, the pulse formation process is jointly influenced by magnetic saturation, resonant behavior, and circuit parameters, which increases the difficulty of parameter selection and compact implementation.

Purpose This study aims to investigate a DSRD based magnetically saturated transformer pulse source and to clarify the role of key parameters in the pulse formation process. The objective is to establish a practical parameter design approach that supports compact structure, high repetition operation, and stable output performance.

Methods The operating principle of the DSRD is first analyzed, and a pumping circuit is designed by combining the device characteristics with the boosting and magnetic saturation properties of the transformer. Based on classical models of magnetically saturated transformers and LC resonance, the relationships among saturation time, secondary current rise rate, and peak current are analyzed qualitatively and calculated quantitatively. These calculations are used to determine the parameter range of the experimental prototype. Circuit simulations are carried out under a repetition frequency of 1 kHz to verify the feasibility of the proposed topology and parameter configuration. Experimental investigations are then conducted to study the influence of transformer turns ratio, core cross sectional area, primary and secondary capacitances, and core material on the pulse output characteristics.

Results The experimental results show that, with a charging voltage of 700 V, the developed pulse source generates a high voltage pulse with an amplitude of approximately 15.9 kV and a rise time of about 11.7 ns across a 75 Ω resistive load. Stable operation is achieved at a repetition frequency of 1 kHz. The experimental observations are consistent with theoretical analysis and simulation results.

Conclusions The proposed analysis and design approach provides practical guidance for parameter selection in DSRD based magnetically saturated transformer pulse sources. The results support compact implementation and reliable operation under high repetition conditions, and offer reference for further optimization of high voltage nanosecond pulse systems.