H6 Systems builds transmitters based on pulsed klystrons. Klystrons are vacuum tubes which amplify RF. They have gains typically in the 30-60 dB range. Frequencies range from .5 – 95 GHz with special devices operating even beyond these frequency and gain ranges. Because they are amplifiers, they must be driven by a low power frequency source.
Klystrons require a specific filament voltage, as well as a solenoid voltage to focus the electron beam. They are usually liquid cooled. Pulse widths range from 4 uS to 1 mS. Duties range from .001 to .03. H6 Systems’ understanding of these tubes allows us to build klystron transmitters that fit our customer’s needs.
Klystron transmitters are used in alternate energy research, linear accelerators (LINACS), radiation oncology, counter-UAV measures, RADAR transmitters, customs inspection systems, RF research, gas ionization experiments, and many other areas.
Typical Klystron Specifications
| Unit | K1 | K2 | K3 | K4 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Klystron Number | VKL-8271B | VKS-8262G | VKS-8345B | VKC-8313 | |
| Frequency Band | L | S | S | C | |
| Waveguide Size | WR650 | WR284 | WR284 | WR187 | |
| Frequency Range | GHz | 1.25 – 1.35 | 2.9985 | 2.9 – 3.1 | 5.4 – 5.9 |
| Output Power Pk | MW | 2.5 | 7.5 | 4.5 | 3 |
| Duty Cycle | 0.0016 | 0.0010 | 0.0020 | 0.0020 | Pulse Width Max | uS | 9 | 7 | 12 | 12 |
Use the H6 Tube Finder to find many other klystrons with a broad range of specifications. Our Field Strength Calculator will help you determine the right tube to generate a particular field strength.
Specialized Design and Integration for Klystron Transmitter Systems
Klystron transmitter design, implementation and interfacing involves decisions on waveguide pressurization gas, gas dryness and type, reflected rf monitoring, forward and reverse power monitoring, reflected RF protection, max. average power limit, peak power limit, attenuation, thermal stability vs. RF stability, waveguide flange type, pressure gasket type and operator interface. H6 Systems can specify, procure and deliver much of your peripheral components for a complete turnkey system. This can include:
- Waveguide (flange and gasket selection, waveguide material)
- Coax (1-5/8, 3-1/8, larger)
- Coupler (type: crossguide, broadwall, loop, directivity, coupling factor)
- Isolator (load type, load capacity)
- Attenuator (mechanical, automated)
- Reflected RF monitoring (high speed protection)
- Waveguide arc detection (optical)
- Compressor/dryer (compact)
- RF load (air cooled, water cooled jacket, water RF load)
- Waveguide switches (mechanical, coaxial)
- Operator interface (mechanical panel, GUI, touchscreen, dsub, ethernet)
- Cooling (liquid, water/glycol mix)
- Fault monitoring (pulse width, duty, PRF, peak current, thermal, power source, reflected RF)
Block Diagram of a Klystron Transmitter
