Method for controlling bias in an active grid array

A method of controlling the distribution of bias in a periodic array of active cells that is biased with a DC bias supply, a bias supply line and a bias-return conductor line, comprising:

• sensing a voltage difference between consecutive cells on the bias-return conductor line resulting from the internal conductor resistance in the bias-return conductor line;
• and
• based on the sensed voltage difference, applying to each cell a prescribed control bias voltage to control a DC current flowing through the active devices, wherein the impedance network includes
• a voltage divider circuit disposed between the bias-return currant line and a reference voltage conductor return line, and
• a tracking resistance inserted in the reference-voltage conductor return line that is connected to the voltage divider circuit.

A periodic active grid array, comprising:

• a plurality of active cells that are combined at their outputs in a periodic arrangement via bias-supply conductors, each having
• a DC bias voltage source that supplies bias to each of the cells;
• a reference voltage source;
• a bias return conductor line connected to each cell, the line having internal resistances, Rcond, disposed along the bias-return conductor line;
• and
• a bias distribution impedance network disposed between the bias return conductor line and an auxiliary reference-voltage return conductor line that controls the distribution of bias in a periodic array.

A quasi-optic grid array that amplifies an RF input beam in free space, comprising:

• a plurality of differential pair unit cells, each having two control inputs that receive the RF input beam, two outputs that radiate an amplified beam and common cathodes, the cells being interconnected at their outputs in a periodic arrangement via bias-supply conductor lines, and a bias-return conductor line;
• a DC bias voltage source connected to the bias-supply conductor lines that supplies an output bias to each of the cells;
• and
• a reference voltage source;
• the bias return conductor lines having an internal resistance, Rcond, disposed along the bias-return conductor line;
• and
• a bias distribution impedance network disposed between the bias return conductor line and an auxiliary reference-voltage return conductor line that controls the distribution of bias in a periodic array.

A periodic active grid array that includes active cells having control leads to be biased and interconnected via a bias-return conductor line, comprising:

• means for establishing, at a first group of cells selected from the grid array, the voltage at the control lead relative to the varying voltages on the bias-return conductor line;
• means for controlling a prescribed control bias voltage to be applied to a second group of selected cells;
• and
• a voltage divider circuit disposed between the bias-return current line and a reference voltage conductor return line of an impedance network in each cell.