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.
Inventors
👤 George H. MacMaster
👤 Lawrence J. Nichols
Bibliographic Details
Application Number—
JurisdictionUS
Data Sourcegoogle_patents
Last Synchronized2026-10-25 23:43
CPC Classifications
H; H03; H03F; H03F3/00; H03F3/60; H03F3/602
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
103 words
A waveguide distribution system comprising: a waveguide a generally conically-shaped element positioned in said waveguide, an axis of said element being parallel to an axis of said waveguide, said element being electrically conductive; a plurality of transmission lines having ports arranged circumferentially around a base portion of said conically-shaped element and positioned between the conical surface of said element and a wall of said waveguide; and alternate ones of said transmission lines including 180° phase shifters for inhibiting the radiation of radiant energy from said transmission lines in directions normal to the nominal directions of propagation of radiant energy within said transmission lines.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
103 words
A waveguide distribution system comprising: a waveguide a generally conically-shaped element positioned in said waveguide, an axis of said element being parallel to an axis of said waveguide, said element being electrically conductive; a plurality of transmission lines having ports arranged circumferentially around a base portion of said conically-shaped element and positioned between the conical surface of said element and a wall of said waveguide; and alternate ones of said transmission lines including 180° phase shifters for inhibiting the radiation of radiant energy from said transmission lines in directions normal to the nominal directions of propagation of radiant energy within said transmission lines.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
32 words
A system according to claim 1 wherein said waveguide includes a crossed slot aperture array in a wall opposite said conically shaped element for exciting a circular electric field about said axis.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
A system according to claim 2 further comprising a bifurcated waveguide coupled via said slots to said waveguide containing said conically shaped element.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
A system according to claim 3 wherein said transmission lines are arranged along a cylindrical surface about said axis.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
A system according to claim 4 wherein side walls of said transmission lines are located in radial planes containing said axis.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
31 words
A system according to claim 5 wherein the spacing between said side walls is tapered to match the impedance of said transmission lines to amplifying elements supported by said transmission lines.