APPLICATIONS
Radar
Hundreds of radar systems in operation today utilize thyratrons, spark gaps, or switch tubes for high pulse repetition frequency pulse modulation. These vacuum tube modulators are expensive to maintain, and their relatively short lifetimes constitute a significant operational expense. DTI has modernized radar transmitters, and built high performance new radar transmitters, across a wide range of applications.
DTI's solid state, high voltage switches work as high-power cathode modulators for klystrons, CFAs or magnetrons, and as low-power modulators for tubes that use modulating anodes, grids, or control electrodes. PowerMod™ switches are perfect for retrofits, test sets and new designs. A transmitter upgrade using DTI's modern, solid state technology may be the most cost-effective answer to problems of high failure rates and lengthy repair procedures common to older transmitters. A retrofit may encompass a few components or a complete turn-key transmitter replacement.
DTI's high-efficiency modulators are inherently pulse-width agile, and can open in less than a microsecond, often eliminating the need for a conventional crowbar.
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Below is a list of publications relating to DTI's radar technologies and applications.
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Radar Modernization - A two page color data sheet presenting an overview of DTI's radar modernization capabilities.
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Transportable Radar Transmitters - A two page color data sheet describing DTI's compact, turn-key and mobile transmitter systems.
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Klystron Modulators and Transmitters - A two page color data sheet describing DTI's klystron modulator and transmitter systems.
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Magnetron Modulators and Transmitters - A two page color data sheet describing DTI's magnetron modulator and transmitter systems.
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Cobra Judy and Gray Star X-Band Radar Upgrades - A two page color data sheet describing the details of DTI's upgrade of the X-Band radar systems on board the USNS Observation Island and USNS Invincible
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Switch Tube Test Set_(2013) - A three page paper, describing the development of a triode test set contracted to DTI by BAE Systems. Presented at the 2013 IEEE International Pulsed Power & Plasma Science Conference. (722 kB)
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Solid-State Transmitter for a 2 MW Klystron_(2012) - A three page paper, describing the structure of a transmitter system built and installed by DTI to support a 2 MW klystron. The transmitter consists of two HV power supplies, cap bank, modulator (opening switch) and controls. (751 kB)
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Improving VED Transmitter Reliability (2009) - A two page paper describing the role of solid state technology in improving the overall reliability of VED systems. (181 kB)
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High Performance Solid State Radar Modulators (2005) - A four page paper summarizing several of DTI's radar modulator upgrades. Presented at the 2005 Pulsed Power Conference. (700 kB)
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Improvements in Radar Transmitter Performance and Reliability Using High Voltage Solid-State Modulators and Power Supplies (2002) - An eight page paper, presented at the IEEE Radar 2002 Conference, describing DTI's work in solid-state radar retrofits and new transmitters, and how DTI's technology can benefit a range of radar technologies. (349 kB)
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Solid-State Radar Modulators (2001) - A four page paper describing the application of DTI's technology to the Navy's AN/SPG-60 radar system and the Naval Research Laboratory's 94 GHz gyroklystron. The benefits of solid state technology are highlighted. This paper was presented at the 24th International Power Modulator Symposium. (3.4 MB)
