High pulse power magnetrons have a limited range of output power variability.  The EM Design S-Band Waveguide Attenuating Pulse Power Switcher is capable of extending the range of output by using three modes of operation.

The first mode permits adjustment of attenuation from a nominal -0.3 db insertion up to -25 db.  This is accomplished by using D.C. voltage on electromagnets within the switcher.

The second mode allows for pulse-to-pulse alternating attenuation of the magnetron wherein one pulse is only attenuated by the ‘zero’ device insertion of -0.3 db, and the next pulse has adjustable attenuation variable from -0.3 db to a nominal -4.5 db. This functionality can readily be obtained by using 60 Hz single phase voltage applied to the electromagnets and a 240 PPS repetition rate on the magnetron.  (Or, if 50 Hz single phase voltage is available, 200 PPS repetition rate is required.

In alternating cases, the unattenuated pulse transits the device when the magnetic fields in the electro magnets are zero. The attenuated pulse, that follows, transits when the magnet fields are maximum.  For 60 Hz (or 50 Hz) voltage on the electromagnets, a total of four pulses transit the attenuating switcher in one single phase cycle!

A third mode can be utilized that allows an unattenuated pulse to be followed by two equally attenuated pulses. This yields a total of six pulses for 60 Hz voltage requiring a 360 PPS magnetron repetition rate (or for 50 Mz voltage, a 300 PPS repetition rate).

A combined waveguide system – involving a pulse power magnetron and a resonant accelerator load – would include; (1) a high power waveguide isolator between the magnetron and the attenuating switcher and (2) a bi-directional monitoring coupler between the attenuating switcher and the accelerator.  Any one or all three operating modes can be obtained from this combined system, by supplying the appropriate voltage to the electromagnets (and locking the pulse timing to the electromagnet when alternating is desired).

In all modes, the magnetron may be operated at a steady output power and the input to the load (the accelerator) is changed according to the requirements of your system.

For more information, pricing and delivery on the pulse switcher, please call us or send an e-mail via the sales or contact tabs.

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In 2002, EM Design addressed the performance limitations of traditional 3-port junction circulators by developing (and patenting) a distributed, phase-shift 3-port circulator.

While many in the industry think ‘junction 3-port’ when they hear ‘distributed 3-port’ as an option for their project, it’s important to understand the differences between the two and the benefits of using a distributed 3-port in your system.

The distributed 3-port has some significant advantages:

1. It is stable and has consistent operating performance.
2. It has the ability to operate at higher peak and average powers.  For example, at S-band, the distributed 3-port circulator operates up to 8 MW peak power and 30 KW average power.
3. It is not water temperature sensitive.
4. It can also act as a replacement for larger 4-ports.  If your performance requirements can be met with this design, it eliminates a fourth port and the corresponding absorption load.  It is also significantly smaller.

For more information about this design, please see our Models 102483C, 102647, 102647A, 102647NP-S, 102788S and 102885.