45 GHz TWT-recent advancements

Summary form only given, as follows. The latest advancements at Hughes Electron Dynamics regarding the development of 45 GHz traveling wave tubes (TWTs) are presented. The major topics are higher power operation, backward wave suppression, thermal management, and related design issues. TWT performance is shown. These TWTs are designed to produce in excess of 120 watts of CW RF power across the frequency band of 43.5 to 45.5 GHz. The basic design incorporates a BeO supported helix with low loss coating, heat shrunk into a conventional pole piece barrel, and focused with PPM magnets. The electron gun operates at 13.5 kV, with 100 mA of beam current. The gun has an isolated focus electrode and a positive anode. The collector is now a two-stage design. The package is conduction cooled.