Waveguide-to-cylindrical array transition

Abstract

A multiple channel amplifier providing both gain and/or phase shift to a microwave signal is formed of a set of transmission lines connected in parallel by means of a power splitter at the input end and a power combiner at the output end of the set of transmission lines. The transmission lines are disposed in a cylindrical array of electrically conducting bars which support amplifying and/or phase shifting elements between the bars and withdraw heat from the amplifying and/or phase shifting elements. The transmission lines may be slotted or severed for directing power flow towards an output terminal of the amplifier. The amplifying and/or phase shifting elements are conveniently mounted on a set of heat sinks to form modules, each of which is readily inserted and detached from the cylindrical array. An enlarged region between adjacent bars serves as the site of a module, the opposed surfaces of the bars and of the heat sink providing the function of a transmission line to conduct power along opposite sides of the module resulting in a push-pull amplifier configuration. Impedance matching is provided by transitions in the bar spacing. The splitter and the combiner may include spider-like structures for coupling the bars to a coaxial line, or a crossed-slot aperture and wedge for coupling the bars to a waveguide.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.