Traveling wave tube drive controller
US4709215A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 30, 1985 |
| Grant date | Nov 24, 1987 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 30, 2005 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01S7/282
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and apparatus are disclosed for regulating the operation of a TWT. The TWT regulation is achieved by detecting the operating condition of the TWT, e.g., by measuring dynamic gain, and regulating feedback of the TWT output in response to the TWT operating condition. The invention is preferably implemented so as to augment the TWT input drive from an exciter source to induce the TWT to drive itself into saturation. The inventive technique comprises determining whether the TWT is operating in a desired operating condition, e.g., saturation, feeding back to the TWT input a portion of the TWT output power to the TWT input, and regulating the feedback signal to keep the TWT operating in the desired condition. Determination of whether the TWT is operating in a saturation condition may be affected through measurement of the TWT dynamic gain. The invention permits dynamic management of the feedback to accommodate variations in gain of the TWT, e.g., such as those during TWT input pulse rise and pulse fall times. The invention maintains the TWT in the desired condition despite changes in the condition of the TWT or in the signals applied to the TWT.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.