DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM FOR X-BAND 35 WATT TRAVELING-WAVE TUBE SATELLITE AMPLIFIER.
Abstract:
The report describes in detail the execution of a design, development, manufacture, and life test program for a long-life, reliable, 35-watts CW, X-band traveling-wave tube amplifier TWTA, associated power supply, and telemetry conditioning circuitry for use in space communications satellites. The discussion of the final design, which owes much to a 2.5-watt TWTA development program, is divided into six major parts 1 The final design 2 the early high-perveance design 3 the power supply and telemetry signal conditioning circuitry 4 the reliability program 5 the production program and 6 the amplifier tests and results. The design objectives, design approach, and final design are discussed relative to the problems encountered in obtaining a device of high efficiency, long life, lightweight, compact, and rugged construction. Since the requirements of long life versus high efficiency, and rugged construction versus lightweight and compact size are often diametrically opposed, an equilibrium must be sought on the basis of the relative importance of each requirement. The solutions to the problems that arise in obtaining this balance, as well as definition of the problem and discussion of the various possible approaches to the solution, are presented. Data obtained from the acceptance tests of the completed amplifiers are presented in summary form. Author