Abstract: A traveling-wave tube system and a method for protecting a cathode of a traveling-wave tube system. The system has an electron gun and a power supply that applies an electric potential between a cathode and an anode of the electron gun to generate a beam of electrons. The beam of electrons passes through a passage of a slow-wave structure. A collector electrode collects electrons from the beam of electrons generating a flow of current that flows through an ion trap power supply circuit to generate a DC voltage that is applied to the anode to repel positive ions generated.

Abstract: A compact transformer coupled modulator is described. The modulator includes a transformer comprising a primary and a plurality of secondary windings, where each secondary winding has an output terminal. The modulator also includes a plurality of switches, where each switch is associated with a respective secondary winding and has input and output terminals and a control terminal. The control terminal of each switch is in electrical communication with a respective output terminal of the plurality of secondary windings. Each of the plurality of switches is substantially simultaneously switched by an input signal applied to the primary.

Abstract: Beam control pulse modulation in an RF transmitter tube is provided by a solid state switch connected between the cathode power supply and the cathode of the transmitter tube. The beam controlling element is returned to the normal cathode power source such that closing the switch between the cathode and the cathode power source brings the beam controlling element voltage to cathode potential causing beam current to flow, while opening the switch provides a very high equivalent cathode resistance, which self-biases the tube in the cutoff region, eliminating the need for a separate "off" voltage power supply. Off-edge performance may be further improved by providing an off switch connected between the cathode and a collector tap on the cathode power supply, and closing the switch when the on switch is opened to accelerate return of the cathode potential to the cutoff voltage.

Abstract: An improvement in a device for the combination of two alternating signals of the same frequency in which two microwave combination devices are associated with two phase shifters to combine the two signals. By coupling the two phase shifters according to a particular coupling relationship, the two alternating signals are combined regardless of the load presented at one of the these two signals.