First pass TWT design success

Making use of an ensemble of computer codes, Hughes Electron Dynamics (HED) has achieved first pass success in the design of slow wave circuits for several traveling wave tubes (TWTs) during the last year. By first pass design success we mean that when tested, the first device fabricated achieved the design goals for RF output power, basic efficiency, gain and phase shift. The design goals are derived from the predictions of a computer model, based on the exact dimensions of the TWT. The establishment of accurate computer models for the TWT slow wave circuit has enabled the optimization of a new design on the computer, eliminating the need for several experimental iterations in the development process. This accomplishment has enabled HED to significantly reduce the time required to develop new devices and demonstrate new design concepts.