RF Pulse Formation in Nonlinear Transmission Lines

Summary form only given. This paper describes a novel pulse forming technique that has been developed to produce powerful RF signals in short duration pulses. The technique is based on modulation of a flat top ´video´ pulse by a transmission line with nonlinear and dispersive characteristics. Typical parameters for existing equipment are centre frequency 1 GHz, pulse length 30 ns, peak power 20 MW and pulse repetition rate 1 kHz. The circuits are electronically tuneable bv plusmn20% about the centre frequency and can be operated in phased arravs. A description of the operating principles of these RF modulators are given and the design/performance of existing equipment are described.