DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM FOR X-BAND 2.5-WATT TRAVELING-WAVE TUBE SATELLITE AMPLIFIER.
Abstract
One of the prime requirements for spaceborne vehicles, both manned and unmanned, is that of a reliable telemetry and communications system. The nature of its application dictates that this system be of long life, highly efficient, miniature, and capable of surviving severe environmental conditions with no degradation of performance. This report outlines the approach implemented to realize a 2.5-watt, X-band, power amplifier which is compatible with long life and extraterrestrial environment. The program consisted of a design and development phase where various types of traveling-wave tubes were investigated with the results being a single-reversal permanent magnet focus traveling-wave tube with long-life characteristics. The power supply was designed and developed using state-of-the-art approaches to realize an overall performance efficiency of 80% and be compatible with long-life requirements. At the completion of the design and development program, 34 power amplifiers were manufactured for the purposes of qualification testing and life testing. The results of the qualification testing indicated that the amplifiers were capable of meeting the space application environmental requirements. The life test phase of the program resulted in a total accumulation in excess of 150,000 hours of life testing. The life test results indicated that the TWT and power supply design would meet the three-to-five year life requirement. The life tests additionally identified inherent weaknesses in materials and components used in the power supply which could be changed prior to the manufacture of flight hardware. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0822361
Entities
People
- George Wada
- Rondo F. Weston
- Thomas A. Roberts
Organizations
- Watkins-Johnson Company