ABSTRACT
Microwave power tubes span a wide range of applications, operating at frequencies from 300 MHz to 300 GHz with output powers from a few hundred watts to more than 10 MW. Applications range from the familiar to the exotic. The following devices are included under the general description of microwave power tubes:
• Klystron, including the reflex and multicavity klystron • Multistage depressed collector (MSDC) klystron • Klystrode (IOT) tube
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• Traveling-wave tube (TWT) • Crossed-field tube • Coaxial magnetron • Gyrotron • Planar triode • High-frequency tetrode
This wide variety of microwave devices has been developed to meet a wide range of applications. Some common uses include
• UHF-TV transmission • Shipboard and ground-based radar • Weapons guidance systems • Electronic countermeasure (ECM) systems • Satellite communications • Tropospheric scatter communications • Fusion research
As new applications are identified, improved devices are designed to meet the need. Microwave power tubes manufacturers continue to push the limits of frequency, operating power, and efficiency. Microwave technology is an evolving science. Figure 23.1 charts device type as a function of operating frequency and power output.
