Performance features of the stub-supported meander line for high power forward wave crossed-field amplifiers

The simple meander line has attractive qualities for use in wide bandwidth crossed-field amplifiers. It propagates in a fundamental forward wave mode with a potential bandwith approaching that of the helix, has a high coupling impedance, and is not difficult to match. In practical use it can be mounted on ceramic or supported on stubs which facilitate liquid cooling. Phase shift and coupling impedance data are presented to indicate the bandwidth potential of an open stub-supported meander circuit which has been developed. Dimensional stability and high dissipation characteristics allow the circuit to be utilized for CFA design through C-band. Cold test data agree well with results of a new equivalent circuit analysis which is valid for both mid-band and band edge regions.