High-Power Wideband Low-Cost Limiters Using Cold Plasma

A novel circuit design for implementing high-power, wideband limiters with inexpensive, off-the-shelf components is introduced. A microstrip line is periodically loaded with shunt attached gas discharge tubes, self-contained plasma cell devices. Cost considerations are discussed in comparison to other high-power technologies. A proof-of-concept prototype is fabricated to demonstrate the limiting effects of the technology. Simulated and measured results from the test article are presented; 50-W CW power handling from 3 – 6 GHz with greater than 15 dB of limiting isolation and insertion loss less than 1.5 dB are observed. Extensions to diversify the feature set of this design are considered.