Recent progress in the development of compact, solid-state high voltage radar modulators

Abstract

The operational life of a high power radar transmitter that employs microwave vacuum electron devices (VEDs, aka tubes) can be significantly extended using high voltage, solid-state modulators and power supplies. These systems provide higher transmitter output flexibility, higher reliability, and lower overall life cycle costs. In this paper, we discuss the topology of modern solid-state modulators and how several fielded radar transmitters have been retrofitted with this new technology.