Solid state power control for high power microwave systems

Conditioning, test, and operation of high power microwave tubes, such as klystrons and gyrotrons, is a complex process. These tubes must be conditioned over increasing voltages and input power levels to achieve reliable performance without damage to the tubes themselves. Effective conditioning requires the capability to control voltage, pulsewidth, and PRF precisely at very high power (20 MW +) and voltage (100 kV +). Most traditional modulator technologies typically use vacuum or gas-filled tubes for control, alone or in combination with pulse forming networks. These tube-based systems, though capable of switching at high power levels, are limited in their flexibility. Further, they require significant operator expertise and start-up time to reach full performance. The tube testing and conditioning processes offer an excellent target for simplification and cost reduction. To address these issues in high power, microwave system control, Diversified Technologies, Inc. (DTI) has developed a unique high power, solid state switching technology.