500W S-band traveling wave tube

Abstract

The paper shows a new generation very high power conduction cooled S-band TWT feasible for 500W continuous RF output power. This TWT, named TL 2500, was designed for geostationary payloads with an overall output power of several kW. The RF output of the TWT is done with a WR340 ¼ height waveguide interface which will be used already on these payloads for the high power network up to the antenna. The waveguide output of the TWT is a very robust design without any dielectric inside, similar to [1]. It was tested successfully with more than 7 dB multipaction margin [2], fully compatible to ESA requirements [3]. Simultaneously the efficiency was improved significantly which can be used to increase additional the overall payload output power. Coming from a well-known heritage TWT TL2240 with typical output power of 250W, the new TL 2500 will reduce significantly the complexity of an S-band high power payload. With a reduced number of needed channel amplifiers, linearizers and power combining networks this TWT will give a significant mass and cost improvement to the customers.