Improvements in strongRadarstrong Transmitter Performance and Reliability.pdfVIP

Improvements in Radar Transmitter Performance and Reliability Using High- 1 Voltage Solid-State Modulators and Power Supplies Paul D. Brown, Jeffrey A. Casey, J. Michael Mulvaney, Timothy A. Hawkey, Michael A. Kempkes, Marcel P.J. Gaudreau Diversified Technologies, Inc. 35 Wiggins Avenue Bedford, MA 01730 USA Abstract - The operational life of high power radar transmitters that employ microwave VEDs can be extended using high voltage, solid-state modulators and power supplies. Solid-state modulators and power supplies, whether integrated, or stand-alone, can benefit both retrofits and new designs. In this paper, modern solid-state modulator topologies are presented along with the conventional topologies that they replace. Several specific fielded radar transmitters that have been, or could be, retrofitted with appropriate technology are identified. I. INTRODUCTION Fig. 1. DTI high-voltage switch modules. Left: Potted, air-insulated 11 kV In 1970, T. Weil wrote the transmitter is typically one of and 8 kV, 25 A, units. Right: oil-insulated array of 15 kV, 300 A units. the largest, heaviest, and most costly portions of a radar system. [1] In the context of new design, he further A. Appropriate Technology - Advanced Solid-State descri