SBIR Phase I: High-efficiency, high-power, lightweight elliptic-beam traveling-wave-tube amplifier for satellite communications

该小型企业创新研究(SBIR)一期项目提出研发一种新型、宽带、高效率、高功率的椭圆波束螺旋行波管放大器(TWTA)。拟议的项目解决了卫星通信中的问题和机会，即需要高效、高功率、高可靠性的宽带放大器，最重要的是体积小、重量轻。第一阶段的研究目标是确定拟议的椭圆束螺旋行波管的科学、机械和制造可行性。第一阶段的研究包括：1.椭圆波束螺旋线行波管的增益和效率的优化；2.合适的椭圆电子束系统的概念设计；3.椭圆螺旋线射频结构的初步电气设计；4.椭圆波束螺旋线行波管的初步机械设计。与目前卫星通信首选的圆形波束螺旋行波管放大器(TWTA)相比，拟议的椭圆波束螺旋行波管放大器有望显著提高效率、功率输出、可靠性、尺寸和重量。该项目的更广泛影响/商业潜力如下。首先，该项目将提高对新型椭圆束螺旋行波管真空电子放大机理的科学技术理解。其次，由射频信号通过椭圆螺旋线与椭圆电子束相互作用所支持的真空电子放大机构有望比传统的机构有显著的改进，从而代表着真空电子器件技术的重大进步。第三，如果成功，该项目将导致可商业部署的、空间合格的椭圆光束螺旋行波管，其性能将达到比迄今所能实现的更高的水平。最初的市场重点将是高利润率、高价格的星载卫星市场，包括地面站部署。下一个市场焦点将是用于点对点无线通信的高频、高功率宽带放大器。第三个市场焦点将是军用雷达和通信系统的宽带放大器。

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to research and develop a novel, broadband, high-efficiency, high-power elliptic-beam helix traveling-wave-tube amplifier (TWTA). The proposed project addresses the problem and opportunity in satellite communication, i.e. the need of broadband amplifiers that are efficient, high-power, highly reliable, and above all small and lightweight. The Phase I research objective is to determine the scientific, mechanical and manufacturing feasibility of the proposed elliptic-beam helix TWTA. The Phase I research includes: 1. Optimization of the gain and efficiency of the proposed elliptic-beam helix TWTA; 2. Concept design of a suitable elliptic electron beam system; 3. Preliminary electrical design of an elliptic helix rf structure; and 4. Preliminary mechanical design of the proposed elliptic-beam helix TWTA. The proposed elliptic-beam helix TWTA is anticipated to significantly improve the efficiency, power output, reliability, size and weight over the conventional circular-beam helix traveling wave tube amplifiers (TWTAs) which are currently the technology of choice for satellite communications.The broader impact/commercial potential of this project is as follows. First, the proposed project will enhance the scientific and technological understanding of the mechanism of vacuum electronic amplification in a novel elliptic-beam helix TWTA. Second, the vacuum electronic amplification mechanism supported by the interaction of radio-frequency signals with the elliptic electron beam via an elliptic helix is anticipated to be a significantly improvement over the conventional one, thereby representing a significant advance in vacuum electron device technology. Third, if successful, this project will lead to commercially deployable, space qualified elliptic-beam helix TWTAs that will perform at new levels beyond what has been achievable to date. The initial market focus will be the high margin, high priced, onboard satellite market including ground station deployments. The next market focus will be high-frequency, high-power broadband amplifiers for point-to-point wireless communications. The third market focus will be broadband amplifiers for military radar and communication systems.