The microwave power module: a versatile RF building block for high-power transmitters

Smith, C.R.; Armstrong, C.M.; Duthie, J.

doi:10.1109/5.757252

Cited by 70 publications

(16 citation statements)

References 12 publications

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“…The measured graceful degradation characteristics for a similar 24-MMIC (six-tray) configuration is shown in Figure 6(b), along with the ideal trend that would be anticipated from power considerations alone [4]. The high power levels and broadband performance, along with the superb graceful degradation characteristics, make this topology an attractive alternative to low-power vacuumtube sources such as MPMs [27].…”

Section: Ucsb 120 W X-band Combinermentioning

confidence: 85%

Spatial power combining for high-power transmitters

et al. 2000

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s the operating frequency of semiconductor solidstate devices increases into the millimeterwave region, the size of the devices and their power handling capability are reduced. In order to provide the advantages of a solid-state technology for moderate power levels at millimeter-wave frequencies, solid-state components must be combined. Spatial power combining provides enhanced RF efficiency by coupling the components to beams or modes in free space rather than via transmission lines in corporate combining structures. Recent in-48

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Section: Ucsb 120 W X-band Combinermentioning

confidence: 85%

Spatial power combining for high-power transmitters

et al. 2000

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“…However, low gain can be viewed as an advantage, as it reduces circuit complexity, eliminates the need for severs, and minimizes the need for high circuit attenuation to control instabilities. Using a microwave power module (MPM) approach [2], total system gains of > 30 dB can be achieved by combining the Crestatron with a high-power solid-state pre-amplifier. In this distributed gain approach, the overall system noise performance benefits from the low-noise performance of the solid-state pre-amplifier while the overall system output power performance benefits from the efficiency and high power capabilities of the vacuum electronic output stage.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Design Study of a C-Band Crestatron

Abe¹,

Levush²,

Chernin³

2007

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Standard Form 298 (Rev. 8-98)Prescribed by ANSI Std. Z39.18Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing this collection of information. This memorandum presents a design study of a high power C-band Crestatron amplifier. While conventional helix traveling-wave tubes (TWTs) are operated in an exponentially growing-wave mode, the Crestatron operates in a "beating-wave" regime where three constant-amplitude voltage waves traveling at different phase velocities along the helix beat together to produce power gain. Although inherently lower in gain than a TWT, the Crestatron can produce high power rf over a surprisingly broad frequency range with very good efficiency. In our design example, CHRISTINE 1-D large-signal simulations show that a 5850 volt, 196 mA Crestatron can produce in excess of 250 W of rf power over a frequency span of 3 to 5.5 GHz. When combined with a two-stage depressed collector, the peak efficiency of the Crestatron is ~64% compared with ~50% for a TWT of similar power over this band. The Crestatron is also a higher power density device, with an estimated 40% reduction in length and 25% reduction in mass compared to the TWT. Compact, efficient, high power, high gain transmitters can be realized by combining the Crestatron with a low-noise solid-state driver in a microwave power module (MPM) configuration. Such a system has promising applications in volume-and weight-constrained platforms such as airborne pods and unmanned vehicles. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) SPONSOR / MONITOR'S ACRONYM(S) 9. SPONSORING / MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) SPONSOR / MONITOR'S REPORT NUMBER(S)

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“…3 validates the large-signal model. The slight mismatch in the output power may be attributed to the approximation of 1 Supplied by Computer Simulation Technologies (CST). uniform charge density in the beam and to the assumption of constant return loss of the output coupler at all frequencies.…”

Section: Large-signal Model Validationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…1 was simulated using the 3-D electromagnetic field simulator Microwave Studio. 1 This model consists of a singleturn helix with finite tape thickness, dielectric support rods, T-shaped metallic vanes, and body tube. The dielectric constant of the materials were defined to ensure accurate computation of the impedance and phase velocity of the wave.…”

Section: Large-signal Model Validationmentioning

confidence: 99%