A new class of self-protecting low-noise microwave amplifiers

The ESA (electrostatic amplifier) was extended at ISTOK to a family of devices having some unique properties. ESAs can provide low noise figures (1-4 dB from L through Ku bands), wide dynamic range, high resistance to jamming, linear amplitude and phase characteristics, and the ability to handle high levels of input power (up to 500 kW) without additional protection. In radar applications no additional protective devices such as multipactors, gas discharge T/R (transmit/receive) tubes, diode limiters, or switches are required. The recovery to maximum sensitivity after an input overload is typically 10-50 ns. These devices have been combined with magnetron oscillators to provide compact transmitters and are widely used in ground-based pulse-Doppler radar systems.<>