X-BAND HIGH POWER CW AMPLIFIER AND AMPLIFIER CONSOLE.
Abstract:
Efforts to develop a 12.5 kW CW traveling-wave tube covering the range 7.7 to 8.4 GHz are described. The tube is designed for use in SATCOM ground stations. Detailed discussions of accomplishments during the period are provided, as is a program plan outline. During this period efforts were directed toward conducting life tests in consoles, fabricating and evaluating Tubes 35, 36, 37, and 38, and improving operating characteristics of consoles. Major efforts during this quarter concentrated on two goals. The first was to begin life tests on two consoles the second was to begin production of prototype tubes. To begin the life tests, Tube 33 was installed in one of the consoles. A problem with focusing was encountered and traced to stray magnetic fields in the gun region. This problem was overcome by placing a magnetic shield around the gun. The second tube, Tube 36, was installed in the other console and life testing was begun. After about forty hours of operation, Tube 33 failed because of equipment problems. This problem has since been corrected by modifying the consoles. Tube 35 was then placed in the console and life testing was resumed. Tube 35 has accumulated 532 hours of high-voltage time and 796 hours of filament time. A full RF test of the tube at this time indicates no degradation in performance. Tube 36 has accumulated 179 hours of high-voltage time and 481 hours of filament time. It continues on life test. Author