Beam-Controlled Linear Klystron Amplifiers for Improved SSB Efficiency

The purpose of this communication is to illustrate a new mode of operation for klystron power amplifiers for SSB or AM signals and to state the experimental results obtained. The major objectives of the development were to obtain maximum efficiency, minimum size and weight, and an acceptable intermodulation distortion in a 24-channel FDM system operating in the 2200-2400 Mc range. Using dynamic control of the klystron beam density, a 480 per cent efficiency improvement was measured with noise loading of the multiplex band. This advance improves the competitive position of SSB or AM as compared with CW forms of communications.