Antenna mounted EHF TWTA technology

The authors discuss the development of a conductance-cooled, highly efficient dual depressed collector EHF TWTA (extremely high-frequency traveling wave tube amplifier) suitable for antenna mounting immediately behind the feed. This 25-W output power unit includes EMP (electromagnetic pulse) design and a self-contained, compact, line replaceable unit (LRU) high-voltage power supply. The 44 GHz 35 W TWT exhibits efficiency far exceeding that of other available technology and is easily expandable to the 100 W level with existing TWTs. This innovative design utilizes the development of an integrated waveguide component (IWC), which includes filter, circulator, and directional couplers in one low loss unit to maximize output power. The performance of the present development and prediction of future trends of TWT transmitters for EHF application are presented.<>