Tuned energy storage for solid state transmitters

The author outlines the theory and application of tuned energy storage, which provides a substantial weight saving for solid-state transmitters by greatly reducing the energy storage requirements. A reactive network is used for energy storage and operates in conjunction with the RF amplifier to produce the proper effective operating voltage while also compensating for capacitor droop. Computer analysis and optimization are used to obtain a maximally flat pulse plateau, with minimum capacitor weight. Several hardware implementations show excellent agreement between theory and results, such as a pair of 600 A networks operating inside an ultra lightweight 18 kW solid-state UHF power module. This circuit achieves a 7:1 reduction in capacitance and a 5:1 reduction in weight compared with previous capacitive storage equipment