Ultra-high efficiency single-beam and multi-beam inductive output tubes

A multi-beam system for amplifying a radio frequency (RF) modulating signal, comprising:

• (a) an RF beam splitting device including:
• an RF input port configured to receive the RF modulating signal, a plurality of RF output ports configured to transport the RF modulating signal and a body frame configured to distribute the RF modulating signal to each of the plurality of RF output ports, the body frame and each one of the plurality of RF output ports having dimensions so that each one of the plurality of RF output ports is impedance matched with each other one of the plurality of RF output ports;
• (b) a plurality of electron beam RF amplification devices, each including:
• an input cavity that is configured to receive the RF modulating signal from a different one of the plurality of RF output ports and each configured to modulate the RF modulating signal onto a different electron beam;
• and (c) an output cavity to is configured to receive amplified RF energy from the electron beams;
• and
• wherein the body frame comprises:
• (a) a first disk-shaped conductive member, having a center, through which each of the plurality of RF output ports extend, the plurality of RF output ports being evenly spaced apart about a circle that is concentric with the center;
• (b) a peripheral conductive ring disposed about and depending downwardly from the first disk-shaped conductive member;
• (c) a second disk-shaped conductive member having a center through which the RF input port extends, the second disk-shaped conductive member coupled to the peripheral conductive ring so that the first conductive disk-shaped member, the second disk-shaped conductive member and the peripheral conductive ring define a cavity therein, wherein the second conductive disk-shaped member tapers inwardly toward the first conductive disk-shaped member as it extends outwardly from the center to the peripheral conductive ring, the RF input port including a central conductor and a coaxial external conductive shield;
• (d) a trapezoidal yoke extending from the center of the first disk-shaped conductive member and tapering inwardly toward the RF input port, the trapezoidal yoke electrically coupled to the central conductor;
• and (e) a toroidal yoke that couples the external conductive shield to the second disk-shaped conductive member.