A miniature, high efficiency TWT for space communications

A miniature light-weight traveling-wave tube is described which meets the high efficiency performance requirements of space communications systems at 2.3 GHz. An overall efficiency (including heater) of 40% is achieved at a power output level of 35 watts. This tube can cover the output power range of 10 to 50 watts at essentially the same gain by merely programming three electrode voltages. Various versions of the tube exhibit saturation gain of 25 to 35 dB depending upon the requirements. The tube has been qualified to meet launch and orbital environmental requirements. It operates over its heat sink temperature range of -50°C to +100°C, during 100 g shock and 100 g static acceleration, 20 g rms random vibration, and space vacuum conditions. Various performance characteristics will be shown.