A high voltage pulse generator utilizes an even number of Marx cells using L-C inversion topology. Each Marx cell is associated with an individual inverter transformer having a primary winding connected to the output of an ac power supply such as a series resonant inverter. The secondary of each inverter transformer is half-wave rectified to charge the energy storage capacitors in each Marx cell. A distributed voltage sensing scheme can be provided for accurate feedback to the inverter's controller. An inductive element can be used to achieve a magnetic diode effect in the L-C inversion circuit to reduce component stress and improve efficiency. A transformer-coupled floating gate drive circuit is used to provide local power conditioning and trigger timing for discharge of the energy storage capacitors.