1.5-kW DBS-band and 2.0-kW Ku-band helix TWTs for direct broadcast satellite uplink applications

Abstract

L-3 Electron Technologies, Inc. (ETI) has successfully developed the highest output power / highest efficiency uplink helix TWTs that operate in the direct-broadcast-satellite (DBS) band (17.3 - 18.4 GHz) and Ku-band (12.75 - 14.8 GHz) for DBS-TV systems. This is achieved by leveraging (1) thermal power management designs developed on the high-power millimeter-wave helix TWT programs, and (2) high-efficiency designs developed on space helix TWT programs. The 18815H DBS-band TWT provides 1.5 kW peak saturated and 1.0 kW maximum CW output power with 60% and 51% overall efficiencies, respectively. Similarly the 18820H Ku-band TWT provides 2.0 kW peak saturated and 1.4 kW maximum CW output power with 59% and 52% overall efficiencies, respectively. The two devices share 85% parts commonality.