Solid state radar modulators

Diversified Technologies, Inc. (DTI) has successfully developed and demonstrated a highly efficient and reliable new approach to solid state switching that can be used in radar transmitters. The key to this development is the solid state switch module. This is an encapsulated series switch module approximately 7"/spl times/7"/spl times/2". It is rated to 9 kV, 30 A, with very low insertion loss (10-20 ohms). Higher currents, up to 100 A peak, are also possible at lower voltage ratings per module (nominally 5 kV). Multiple switch modules can be combined in series and parallel to meet a wide range of power switching requirements. Since these modules are individually isolated and protected, they can be used for both cathode pulsed and grid/mod-anode pulsed radar systems. There are two major benefits to the radar system from use of these solid state switch modules. The first is improved transmitter performance, with a wider range of operating parameters (pulsewidth, PRF, pulse agility, and pulse-to-pulse consistency). The second is the major cost reductions of operating these transmitters. These cost savings result from the inherent reliability of these switch modules versus conventional switch tubes, and the elimination of numerous auxiliary components for operation of the switch tubes themselves. DTI has successfully demonstrated this technology\´s application to transmitters with TWTs, klystrons, magnetrons, and CFAs. This paper describes how these solid state switch modules have been used as components for both new and upgraded radar transmitters.