Automated testing of a high-power RF microwave tube

This paper describes an automated procedure for testing the high-power klystron amplifiers used in the Ground Test Accelerator (GTA). To verify klystron performance, we have developed an automated test system using data-acquisition and control programs based on LabVIEW, a program that can communicate with both an Allen-Bradley PLC5/15 controller over RS232 interface and with other devices that use the GPIB interface. Three automated tests were developed and performed on the high-power klystron: swept-frequency, power-transfer, and VSWR. This paper describes the tests performed, presents test data on the GTA klystrons, provides block diagrams of the automated test facility, and characterizes all the capabilities for the automated test system. This test facility is being used by the GTA program to fully characterize the klystron amplifiers before they are commissioned.