High-power modulator

摘要

A high-power modulator includes a plurality of means for limiting voltage and a plurality of controllable switches. Each of the switches is connected in parallel with a different one of the voltage limiting means to form a plurality of parallel pairs. Each of the parallel pairs is connected to each other in a series combination. A first parallel pair in the series combination can be connected to a main power source, and a last parallel pair in the series combination can be connected to a load. Each of the switches is switchable from an off or open position to an on or closed position. With the switch in the off position, voltage applied by the main power source which is above a first predetermined voltage results in current provided by the main power source being conducted through the voltage limiting means and a corresponding voltage potential drop across the voltage limiting means being substantially independent of the current conducted therethrough, and voltage applied by the main power source which is below the first predetermined voltage results in current provided by the main power source being substantially prevented from passing through the voltage limiting means. With the switch in the on position, current provided by the main power source is substantially all conducted through the switch and a voltage potential drop across the voltage limiting means is substantially zero. When voltage applied by the main power source is below a second predetermined voltage, a ratio of switches in the on position to those in the off position determines a total voltage potential drop across the series combination and thus the voltage applied to the load.