Abstract: A traveling wave tube assembly has a traveling wave tube and a predistortion network RF coupled and physically coupled to the traveling wave tube. The traveling wave tube and the predistortion network may be located in a high temperature zone. An amplifier located in a low temperature zone, is coupled to the predistortion network by an RF connecting cable.

Abstract: A linearized traveling wave tube amplifier with average power limiter is disclosed. The device includes an average power limiter for the purpose of preventing a TWT from operating at output powers higher than the required operating point. The device includes a detector for dynamically producing a detector signal proportional to an average power of an input signal and substantially independent from a peak power of the input signal, and an attenuator, in communication with the detector and the amplifier, for dynamically attenuating the input signal according to the detector signal. The limiter allows the TWTs to be optimized for performance at the required operating point, resulting in higher efficiency, and eliminates the need to size the amplifier for a power level any larger than the required operating point which reduces the cost and complexity of the system.

Abstract: The inner surface of a barrel for a traveling wave tube is formed with a set of tracks extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the barrel. The rods supporting the traveling wave tube circuit assembly are supported in the tracks. The tracks are formed by forcing a tool having track-forming elements through the barrel, or a succession of ever-larger tools may be used to first form and then gradually enlarge the tracks.

Abstract: Provided is a means for triggering certain high voltage electronic, gas discharge switches that are a novel type of high power thyratron. Triggering of switches of the so-called "backlighted thyratron" type (a type of cold cathode thyratron) is enhanced by the inclusion of a very small, photoemissive cathode, separate and isolated from the main switch electrodes, to initiate the triggering discharge. The trigger cathode is protected from destruction by the main discharge current through the switch by mechanically and electrically isolating it from further participation in the discharge once the triggering process has been initiated. Alternatively, photosensitive material is coated on the backside of one of the main switch electrodes. A light source located externally of the switch directs light through a sealed aperture into the interior of the switch where it is incident on the photosensitive material generating electrons which in turn trigger the main switch discharge.