Pulsed load power processor for a satellite altimeter

Abstract

A power processor for a grid modulated traveling wave tube (TWT) is described. The unit has been delivered to Applied Physics Lab for use in Seasat-A Global Weather and Ocean Survey satellite. The power processor consists of two elements, a high voltage power supply and a grid modulator. The high voltage power supply develops 12 kilovolts DC at an average power of 90 watts and a peak power of 18 kilowatts while maintaining superior regulation and pulse response characteristics. The high voltage power supply also provides the auxiliary functions of logic control, protection, and telemetry. The floating grid modulator switches the grid potential over a voltage swing of 350 volts with transition times of less than 80 nanoseconds to gate the TWT RF energy on and off. The power processor features a solid encapsulated corona free construction in the high voltage assemblies. The unit is designed and extensively tested to be arc protected. The complexity of the design requirements resulted in the development of new circuits, components, and packaging concepts.