Advances in space TWT efficiencies

Author

Komm, David S. ; Benton, Robert T. ; Limburg, Helen C. ; Menninger, William L. ; Zhai, Xiaoling

Author_Institution

Boeing Electron Dynamics Devices Inc., Torrance, CA, USA

Volume

48

Issue

1

fYear

2001

fDate

1/1/2001 12:00:00 AM

Firstpage

174

Lastpage

176

Abstract

Overall dc-to-rf conversion efficiency continues to be the single most significant figure of merit for commercial space traveling wave tube amplifiers (TWTAs). Improvements in TWTA efficiency immediately translate into potential revenue increases for satellite operators, since additional transponders can be carried on board the spacecraft for the same prime power and waste heat handling capacity. The revenue implications of increased efficiency have spurred TWT manufacturers to continue wringing out every possible increase in efficiency. By optimizing both rf circuit and collector designs, overall efficiencies >70% have now become routine. This paper will discuss the results of several experiments to improve TWT efficiency demonstrating how these impressive efficiencies may be achieved

Keywords

circuit optimisation; microwave amplifiers; space vehicle electronics; travelling wave amplifiers; travelling wave tubes; 63.7 to 73.2 percent; C-band TWT; Ku-band TWT; TWT efficiency; collector design optimization; dc-to-rf conversion efficiency; figure of merit; prime power; rf circuit optimization; satellite operators; space TWTA efficiencies; space traveling wave tube amplifiers; transponders; waste heat handling capacity; Aircraft manufacture; Circuits; Design optimization; Manufacturing; Satellites; Space exploration; Space heating; Transponders; Waste handling; Waste heat;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Electron Devices, IEEE Transactions on

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

0018-9383

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/16.892186

Filename

892186