Tests of load resilient matching procedure for the ITER ICRH system on a mock-up and layout proposal

An external matching option of the ITER ICRH system has been successfully tested by means of a mock-up of the antenna plug loaded by a movable water load. The problem of coupling between the straps of the antenna array is solved by the use of decouplers and passive power distribution. High load resilience is obtained for different toroidal phasings needed for heating or current drive. A straightforward matching procedure for which the decouplers and half of the matching parameters are pre-adjusted in vacuum condition has been developed.