Airbus A320 air carrier pilot reported electrical problems while climbing to cruise altitude. The crew coordinated with the cabin crew to troubleshoot the problem; diverted; and landed safely.

Narrative

Climbing through about 17000ft - FL190; we heard multiple clicking/banging sounds coming from the main BUS circuit board (Relays). At the same time; we quickly saw multiple amber Xs and screens flicker; but was too quick to see which ones. Shortly after we saw it again and it was clear that multiple relays seem to be malfunctioning; but more this time. I was able to see over the next couple occurrences that the TAT (Total Air Temperature) and SAT (Static Air Temperature) indicators; CA (Captain) outlet; FMGS1; ND1 (Navigation Display 1); VHF1 on FO (First Officer) side also went out temporarily. I called back to ask the FAs (Flight Attendants) if they noticed anything; and they hadn't yet; but on the third occurrence; they reported the WIFI and the lights were flickering. About the 3rd or 4th occurrence (they happened quickly in a fairly short span of time) that my FMGS1 was now out as well as the Fuel Used numbers were reset and Fuel used for engine 2 indicators also ambered out. At this point I had asked the lead FA to do a sweep of the cabin to see if they see or smell smoke or hear anything suspicious. I had remembered that a pattern of electrical anomalies can be a possible sign of electrical fire; so I had begun to plan for that. Shortly after the lead FA said that there was a strange buzzing sound over row XX (where the Wi-Fi is) and a strange smell of possible smoke. At this point while still on the line with the FA; I gave him a briefing; and as I had seen ZZZ as the closest airport; fortunately with maintenance as well; telling him that is where we are going; [advising ATC] (while coordinating with the FO who was the flying pilot). At this point; I had decided to prepare for a possible electrical fire; and we rapidly descended from our cruise altitude of FL370. We were about 10 min away and did our duties preparing for the landing; calling the fire trucks as a precautionary method. As electrical fire is a dire situation; I was not going to hesitate; as dispatch and Maintenance Control was not fully aware of what was going on; although I did briefly send a few ACARS messages explaining it. They had suggested ZZZ1; but it was about 30 min away. I called for ZZZ while dispatch/Maintenance Control coordinated well to prepare for the landing in ZZZ. We landed safely with a full stop on the runway; completing all SOPs. Fire trucks pulled the infrared sensors and noted no heat anomalies; and we were cleared to the gate. On arrival Maintenance Control stated they received a message from our aircraft that the ENG1 IDG (Integrated Drive Generator) had failed. We had not seen that message; and while it may have popped up briefly; I did hit the recall button multiple times showing normal during the events on the flight. We had deplaned immediately on gate arrival; fire fighters did a full infrared/temperature screening twice of the interior and exterior and found no heat anomalies. It was concluded that the ENG1 IDG had or was failing; so we did an engine run to confirm and deactivate the IDG.