Abstract: A gas plasma type receiver protector for a radar system includes a priming device in the form of a miniature high intensity blue light emitting diode (LED) ranging in wavelength from 470 nm to 490 nm, an ultra-violet LED, miniature lamp or laser diode ranging in wavelength from 260 nm to 470 nm.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a low power receiver protector and stepped attenuator for conditioning a received input signal within a microwave receiver front end. The low power receiver protector includes a detector for generating a surge signal in response to the received input signal exceeding a predetermined threshold, a delay line for delaying the received input signal for fixed duration, and a limiter for reducing the voltage of the received input signal in response to the generation of the surge signal. The stepped attenuator includes a plurality of cells each having an attenuation transmission path which includes an attenuator for providing a predetermined amount of attenuation of the received input signal. Each attenuation transmission path, bypass transmission path and delay line comprise a high temperature superconductor to provide minimal loss and reduced size.

Abstract: A device for use as a receiver protector in radar systems comprising a passive gas stage device and a waveguide opening. The passive gas stage device includes a sealed quartz container, a reactive gas filling the container and a thin film of radioactive material deposited on a flat surface of a glass rod in the interior quartz container for providing free electrons to initiate a gas discharge in the presence of high power pulses. The waveguide opening includes an iris plate having a discharge gap that is in close proximity to the film of radioactive material so that the film provides a large number of electrons in the discharge gap to initiate a gas discharge in the presence of microwave pulses.

Abstract: A passive, broadband, millimeter wave, fin-line, gas discharge device operable for use in a radar system as a receiver protector. The preferred embodiment of this device comprises: a rectangular waveguide housing having a free electron emitting radioactive primer mounted upon one interior wall, an inert gas under pressure contained within the housing by two thin, low loss dielectric windows at opposing ends of the waveguide housing, and two bevelled, tapered fins operable to provide a narrow discharge gap region. Incident ratio frequency signals entering the radar system pass through the fin-line receiver protector. Signals entering the waveguide housing through the thin dielectric windows excite the free electrons causing the electrons to collide with the inert gas molecules. A spontaneous breakdown of gas occurring in the narrow discharge gap region between the two bevelled, tapered fins greatly attenuates the incident ratio frequency signal from entering the receiver thereby protecting it.