Switch tube test set

Abstract

Summary form only given. Diversified Technologies, Inc. (DTI) developed a switch tube test set for the realistic testing and conditioning of high power modulator switch tubes employed in radar transmitters. The system may be configured for triode or tetrode tubes and has a nominal plate power rating of 30 kW. The test set delivers an average power of 30 kW, and is capable of 50 kV and 250 A (pulsed) maximums. The test set includes a variable auto-transformer (Variac) filament supply with grid bias and grid pulse electronics suitable for the selected tubes (+/-5 kV swing maximum). Pulse-width is from .2 to 15 μs; pulse repetition frequency is from 40 to 1280 pulses per second. The test set is comprised of standard DTI subassemblies installed in several cabinets. In addition to DTI-supplied equipment, the test set (or system) includes space for the tube to be tested and for a set of plate load resistors (or “dummy load”), which may be customized to suit various test requirements. System controls are fully manual, requiring expertise on the part of the user for proper operation. Automation is possible for future systems. Inherent overcurrent protection for the plate and grids are provided, as are interlocks for faults in the supplies or external fault signals. While the existing system has been highly successful in the testing and conditioning of particular tubes, future users will have different requirement. The design of the switch tube test set system is highly customizable, and future systems may achieve both a larger range of operating parameters, enabling the testing and conditioning of additional tubes, and a higher degree of automation, allowing for increased ease of operation.