CTHelixLS: A novel tool for the cold test and Large Signal analysis of Helix SWS

In this paper the authors present a dedicated tool expressly conceived for the analysis of TWT helix slow wave structures (SWSs). The developed tool includes three modules: the first is a Small Signal simulator of the SWS; the second module performs the helix cold test and the third is an innovative Large Signal simulator. In addition it has been specifically conceived to provide the TWT designer with an easy-to-use environment through a friendly CAD-based Graphical User Interface (GUI). The result of the first tests performed at Selex Galileo, Palermo, is in agreement with experimental data.