An all solid-state modulator for the ARSR-3 transmitter

Abstract

This paper describes an all solid-state, high-power pulse modulator used in the ARSR-3 system (an FAA air route surveillance radar system). The modulator, the culmination of a number of years of both device and circuit development, uses fast switching Reverse Blocking Diode Thyristors (RBDT's) to directly switch 14-MW, 3-µs video pulses at high current without the use of magnetic switching aids. The modulator consists of five identical PFN modules, a trigger amplifier, and a pulse transformer which matches the modulator output to the beam characteristics of a klystron. Each module contains its own PFN, discharge RBDT switch assembly, and associated circuitry. This modulator is the first production equipment to use the new Westinghouse T62R RBDT devices. The devices switch 2200-A pulses with a turn-on rate of rise of up to 3000 A/µs.