Nonlinear time-domain analysis of coupled-cavity traveling-wave tubes

Abstract

A time-dependent nonlinear analysis of a coupled-cavity traveling-wave tube (CCTWT) is presented. The coupled-cavity structure is modeled by a set of equivalent circuit equations where the equations for currents and voltages are coupled to the nearest neighbor cavities. Input and output coupler models as well as sever cavities are included in the formulation. The electron dynamics are treated using the three-dimensional Lorentz force equations although the RF field representation is an analytic model based on cylindrically symmetric geometry. The magnetic focusing fields are also cylindrically symmetric and can be either a solenoid or a periodic permanent magnet stack. The space-charge fields are found by mapping charge to a two-dimensional grid (r, z) and solving Poisson's equation by a finite difference grid formulation. The circuit and Lorentz force equations are integrated in time in a self-consistent manner. The formulation is capable of treating multiple drive frequencies and the associated intermodulation products as well as oscillations and backward wave instabilities. Hence, the model can be used to perform stability analyses. Furthermore, the cavity parameters can be varied to model dynamic velocity tapering for efficiency enhancement. The simulation is applied to the analysis of a sample C-Band CCTWT, and comparisons with measured performance of a Ka-Band CCTWT at Communications and Power Industries, Palo Alto, CA, are made.