High Power RF Discharge Detection Technique Based on the In-Phase and Quadrature Signals

Abstract

High power radio frequency (RF) breakdown testing is a subject of great relevance in the space industry, due to the increasing need of higher transmission power and smaller devices. This work presents a novel RF breakdown detection system, which monitors the same parameters as the microwave nulling system but with several advantages. Where microwave nulling-a de facto standard in RF breakdown testing-is narrowband and requires continuous tuning to keep its sensitivity, the proposed technique is broadband and maintains its performance for any RF signal. On top of that, defining the detection threshold is cumbersome due to the lack of an international standardized criterion. Small responses may appear in the detection system during the test and, sometimes, it is not possible to determine if these are an actual RF breakdown or random noise. This new detection system uses a larger analysis bandwidth, thus reducing the cases in which a small response is difficult to be classified. The proposed detection method represents a major step forward in high power testing as it runs without human intervention, warning the operator or decreasing the RF power automatically much faster than any human operator.

Design and Implementation of C-Band Large-Power Planar Butler Matrix in SRS

“…The measurement results of the developed large-power 4 × 4 Butler matrix 9 kW are presented. After realizing power-level zeroing, the spectrum analyzer monitors the zeroed signal [32] in real time. The multipactor threshold can be tested by pulse modulation signal with a duty cycle of 10%.…”

Multipactor Threshold Estimation Techniques Based on Circuit Models, Electromagnetic Fields, and Particle Simulators

“…reverse IQ, harmonic and electron monitoring) operate synchronously. As detailed in [53], a novel in-phase and quadrature method is used to replace the more classical microwave nulling system. All the collected data is gathered in one single control PC, and the next signal repetition will not be generated until the previous one has been fully analyzed.…”

A Genetically Based Algorithm to Improve Execution Speed in Multipactor Simulations in Parallel-Plate Waveguides

“…In this context, estimating the multipactor threshold is of paramount importance in order to ensure a proper operation for space applications. Usually, the power threshold can be assessed through experimental verification [13]. Nevertheless, considering that experimental tests are time-consuming and expensive, simulation tools have become increasingly important, especially in the design phase of RF components [14], [15], [16].…”