Solid-state tetrode test stand

In March 2009, Diversified Technologies, Inc. (DTI) delivered a 500 kW DC solid-state test stand for the evaluation and conditioning of high power tetrodes, commonly employed in a wide range of accelerator and radar systems. The test stand consists of both DTI-manufactured and commercially-sourced power supplies, a DTI high voltage opening switch, and DTI controls, all of which interface with the tetrode tube enclosure. High power gridded tubes are excellent candidates for opening switch protection because the wires used in the screen and control grids are even more delicate than the electrode surfaces in linear beam tubes. This test stand was funded by the UK´s Science and Technologies Facilities Council for the purpose of streamlining their testing of new tetrodes for the ISIS system at Rutherford Appleton Laboratories (RAL). This paper summarizes the design, construction, and performance of this high power test stand.