A High-Power Switching Network for a Dual-Mode Antenna

A novel hybrid switching network is described in which high levels of RF power (2-3 kW) are controlled and switched over an octave bandwidth in low L band by the use of a relatively low-power level switch matrix used in conjunction with a pair of 8.34-dB (nominal) directional couplers and a phasing network. An alternate design to compactly achieve the same results is also described. The device is for use with a switchable (dual-mode) airborne transmitting antenna. Theoretically predicted performance parameters are grapbically presented along with correlated measured data.