VOLTAGE BREAKDOWN OF AN L-BAND BEACON ANTENNA
Abstract
In an investigation of antenna radio-frequency breakdown, two beacons differing in output power levels and pulse repetition rates were used in separate tests to supply RF signals to an L-bandANTENNA. The antenna, mounted on a three-foot missile section, was located in a vacuum chamber where high altitudes could be simulated by reducing the air pressure. The receiving antenna, a corner-reflector dipole, was connected to a spectrum analyzer used as a receiver. Concurrently, studies were made to ascertain the effectiveness of camphor as a breakdown retarding agent and of an ultraviolet source as a stabilizing agent. Of three methods used to determine the pressure at which antenna breakdown would occur, received signal provided the best single indication. Antenna breakdown is essentially an ionization process which is accompanied by reduced amplitude of the received signal. Test results showed that the greater the peak power, the higher the pressure at which breakdown begins; and the more complete the ionization, the greater the reduction in received signal. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1962
- Accession Number
- AD0285118
Entities
People
- H. Burt Hiester
Organizations
- United States Army Communications-Electronics Command