Compact solid state radio frequency amplifiers in kW regime for particle accelerator subsystems

Abstract

Radio frequency and Microwave (RFM) infrastructure test facility is under development at RRCAT for evaluating and powering, subsystems of particle accelerator. As a part of this facility, design of 20-30 kW UHF solid state power amplifiers is in progress. For this work, design procedure has been formulated for the development of solid state amplifier modules, radial combiner, divider and directional coupler; with specifications suited to RFM power system for particle accelerator. Methodology has been demonstrated by developing two different compact amplifiers with power output of 2 kW each, operating at 352 MHz and 505.8 MHz, respectively. This paper describes underlying design principles and indigenous development of these amplifiers, consisting of 270-300 W amplifier modules, 8-way 2 kW radial combiner/divider and directional couplers. Design methodology for power combiner has been extended by physically realizing higher power (4 kW) 16-way power combiner and 2-way combiner (8 kW) for higher power (8 kW) amplifier configuration planned. Simple design, indigenous technology, high efficiency and ease of fabrication, are the main features of this design. © 2013 Indian Academy of Sciences.