Unit – I - Microwave Tubes

 Limitations and Losses of Conventional Tubes at Microwave Frequencies

Conventional devices like triodes, tetrodes and pentodes are useful for only Low output
Power and Low microwave frequencies and can’t be used for frequencies above 1 GHz
because of high input admittance and making them inefficient and reduction in operating
frequency
Lead inductance and Inter-electrode capacitance effects -
Transit-angle effects
Gain-bandwidth product
 Microwave Tubes: Types: O Type and M Type
O-Type: (Original type of Tube) M-Type: (Named after Magnetron)
M-type and O-type tubes are types of magnetrons, which are high-powered microwave
oscillators used in various applications, including radar systems, microwave ovens, and
particle accelerators.
In a linear beam tube a magnetic field whose axis coincides with that of the electron beam
is used to hold the beam together as it travels the length of the tube.
These are suitable for Amplification
O-Type Tubes: a) Cavity: Klystrons – Two Cavity, Multicavity, Reflex
b) Slow-wave Structure: Helix Travelling Wave Tubes (TWTs), Coupled
cavity, Backward Wave Amplifier and Backward Wave Oscillator

Two Cavity Klystron (Buncher Cavity and Catcher Cavity)

Topics: Structure, Reentrant Cavities, Velocity Modulation Processes, Applegate Diagram,
Bunching Process, Small Signal Theory – Expressions for O/P Power and Efficiency
Two cavity Klystron is widely used as a microwave amplifier operated by the Principles of
Velocity and Current Modulation. The variation in electron velocity in the drift space is known
as velocity modulation. The electron beam contains an ac component and is said to be current
modulated.
The first cavity or input cavity together with the coupling device is termed as a 'Buncher'. The
second cavity or output cavity with coupling device is called as a 'Catcher'
Resonant cavities are metal-enclosed resonant structures where the dimensions are
comparable with, or larger than, the operating wavelength
Need of Reentrant Cavity is used to maintain resonance at the operating frequency.
Applegate Diagram: a graphical representation of the performance of a microwave amplifier.
The process of bunching or density modulation can be understood from this which is a distance
time graph and obviously the slope of the lines is proportional to the speed of the electrons.
A 2-cavity klystron can be used as both an oscillator and an amplifier, depending on the
operating conditions and design parameters.
As an Oscillator:
- A 2-cavity klystron can be used as a self-excited oscillator when the feedback loop is properly
adjusted.
- The first cavity (buncher) modulates the electron beam, and the second cavity (catcher)
extracts energy from the beam, creating a feedback loop that sustains oscillations.
- The frequency of oscillation is determined by the cavity dimensions, electron beam velocity,
and magnetic field strength.
As an Amplifier:
- A 2-cavity klystron can be used as an amplifier when an input signal is applied to the buncher
cavity.
- The input signal modulates the electron beam, which then amplifies the signal as it passes
through the catcher cavity.
- The gain of the amplifier depends on the input signal strength, electron beam current, and
cavity design parameters.
To switch between oscillator and amplifier modes, you can adjust the:
1. Feedback loop attenuation
2. Input signal strength
3. Electron beam current
4. Magnetic field strength
The design and operating parameters may need to be optimized for each mode to achieve
maximum performance.
Reflex Klystron
Structure, Velocity Modulation, Applegate Diagram, Mathematical Theory of Bunching, Power
Output, Efficiency, Oscillating Modes, O/P characteristics
A Reflex Klystron is a type of microwave oscillator that uses a cavity magnetron-like design,
but with a reflex cavity instead of a resonant cavity. It's used to generate high-frequency
electromagnetic waves, typically in the microwave range.
Principle:
The Reflex Klystron uses a single cavity with a reflex electrode, which acts as both the anode
and cathode. The device works on the principle of velocity modulation, where the electron
beam is modulated in velocity, causing it to bunch and generate microwave energy.
Components:
1. Electron gun: Produces the electron beam
2. Reflex cavity: The single cavity with the reflex electrode
3. Output window: Where the microwave energy is extracted
Working:
1. The electron beam is produced and focused onto the reflex cavity
2. The beam is velocity-modulated, causing it to bunch
3. The bunched beam generates microwave energy, which is extracted through the output
window
Characteristics:
1. High-frequency operation (microwave range)
2. High power output
3. Compact design
4. Relatively simple construction
Applications:
1. Radar systems
2. Microwave ovens
3. Particle accelerators
4. Plasma research
The Reflex Klystron is an important device in microwave engineering, offering a compact and
efficient way to generate high-frequency electromagnetic waves.
Helix TWTs
1. Types and Characteristics of Slow Wave Structures
Definition: Slow wave structures are special circuits that are used in microwave tubes to
reduce the wave velocity in a certain direction so that electron beam and the signal wave
can interact.
Types of Structures: Helical Line, Folded-back line, Zigzag Line, Interdigital Line,
Corrugated Waveguide
2. Structure of TWT and Amplification Process
3. Suppression of Oscillations
4. Gain Considerations
The Travelling Wave Tubes (TWT) is a high-gain, low-noise, and wide-band width microwave
amplifier. TWTs' circuit operates in a non-resonant mode; the klystrons' circuit operates in a
resonant mode.
TWT has wider bandwidth of operation. Klystron has smaller bandwidth of operation. TWT
operates on lower efficiency. Klystron has comparatively high efficiency.
In summary, TWTs and klystrons are both high-power electronic devices used in RF
applications, but they differ in their construction and mode of operation. TWTs are known for
their high gain and bandwidth, while klystrons are known for their high output power.
A Helix Traveling Wave Tube (TWT) is a type of microwave amplifier that uses a helical
(spiral) structure to interact with an electron beam, generating high-power microwave energy.
Key components:
1. Helix: A spiral-shaped structure that serves as the slow-wave structure
2. Electron gun: Produces the electron beam
3. Collector: Collects the electron beam after interaction
4. Input and output couplers: Couple microwave energy into and out of the helix
Working principle:
1. The electron beam is produced and focused onto the helix
2. Microwave energy is coupled into the helix, creating an electric field
3. The electron beam interacts with the electric field, causing it to bunch and transfer energy to
the microwave field
4. The amplified microwave energy is coupled out of the helix
Characteristics:
1. High gain (typically 40-60 dB)
2. High power output (up to several kilowatts)
3. Wide bandwidth (up to several GHz)
4. Compact design
Applications:
1. Satellite communications
2. Radar systems
3. Electronic warfare
4. Particle accelerators
5. High-power microwave sources
Advantages:
1. High gain and power output
2. Wide bandwidth and frequency range
3. Compact and rugged design
Limitations:
1. Complex manufacturing process
2. Sensitive to electron beam quality
3. May require additional amplification stages
Helix TWTs are widely used in high-power microwave applications, offering a compact and
efficient solution for amplifying microwave energy.
A major advantage of the TWT over some other microwave tubes is its ability to amplify a
wide range of frequencies i.e. a large bandwidth.
Drawbacks or disadvantages of two cavity Klystron: Two cavity klystron amplifier is not low-
noise device. Due to this fact, usually it is used in the transmitter and not in the receiver. It is a
narrow band device due to use of resonant cavities (less bandwidth)
They can be used to generate far higher microwave power that solid state microwave devices
like Gunn diodes.
There are two types of vacuum TWTs, the first is a helix based TWT and the other is a
Coupled Cavity based TWT
 Klystron TWT
Frequency: 250 MHz to100 GHz 0.5 GHz to 95 GHz
Power: 10 KW to 500 KW (CW Power) 5mW (Low Power TWT)
and 30 MW (Pulsed) 250 KW(CW), 10MW (pulsed)
Power Gain: 30 dB Power Gain: upto 60 dB
Bandwidth: Limited Bandwidth: High
Noise Figure: 15-20 dB 4 – 6 dB
Theoretical Efficiency: 58% 5 to 20%

Need to Analyze:
1. Comparison of O type and M Type
2. Difference of Operation between Klystron and Travelling Wave Tube
Questions and Answers
A 2-cavity klystron is a type of high-frequency amplifier or oscillator used in microwave
engineering.
Q: What is a 2-cavity klystron?
A: A 2-cavity klystron is a type of klystron amplifier that uses two cavities to amplify
microwave signals.
Q: How does a 2-cavity klystron work?
A: The first cavity (buncher) modulates the electron beam, and the second cavity (catcher)
extracts energy from the beam, amplifying the signal.

Q: What are the advantages of a 2-cavity klystron?

A: High gain, high power output, and relatively simple design.
Q: What are the applications of a 2-cavity klystron?
A: Used in radar systems, satellite communications, particle accelerators, and microwave ovens.
Q: What is the difference between a 2-cavity and multi-cavity klystron?
A: Multi-cavity klystrons use more than two cavities to achieve higher gain and power output.
Q: How does a 2-cavity klystron differ from a travelling-wave tube (TWT)?
A: Klystrons use cavities to amplify signals, while TWTs use a continuous interaction between
the electron beam and the signal.
Q: What is the main difference between M-type and O-type tubes?
A: M-type tubes have a magnetic field parallel to the cathode, while O-type tubes have a
magnetic field perpendicular to the cathode.
Q: How do M-type and O-type tubes differ in terms of frequency stability?
A: M-type tubes are more frequency-stable due to the parallel magnetic field, which reduces
frequency drift.
Q: What are the advantages of M-type tubes?
A: Higher frequency stability, higher power output, and more efficient operation.
Q: What are the advantages of O-type tubes?
A: Simpler design, lower production costs, and wider frequency tuning range.
Q: What are the typical applications of M-type tubes?
A: High-powered radar systems, particle accelerators, and microwave ovens.
Q: What are the typical applications of O-type tubes?
A: Lower-powered radar systems, microwave heating, and plasma generation.
Q: Can M-type and O-type tubes be used interchangeably?
A: No, due to differences in magnetic field orientation and design parameters.
Q: How do M-type and O-type tubes differ in terms of cathode design?
A: M-type tubes typically use a cylindrical cathode, while O-type tubes use a ring-shaped
cathode.
Q: What is the basic principle of operation of a Reflex Klystron?
A: Velocity modulation of an electron beam, which causes the beam to bunch and generate
microwave energy.
Q: How does the Reflex Klystron differ from a conventional Klystron?
A: A Reflex Klystron uses a single cavity with a reflex electrode, whereas a conventional
Klystron uses multiple cavities.
Q: What is the function of the reflex electrode in a Reflex Klystron?
A: The reflex electrode acts as both the anode and cathode, reflecting the electron beam back
through the cavity.
Q: What type of modulation is used in a Reflex Klystron?
A: Velocity modulation.
Q: What is the typical frequency range of operation of a Reflex Klystron?
A: Microwave range (approximately 1-40 GHz).
Q: What are the advantages of using a Reflex Klystron over other types of microwave
oscillators?
A: Compact design, high power output, and relatively simple construction.
Q: What are some common applications of Reflex Klystrons?
A: Radar systems, microwave ovens, particle accelerators, and plasma research.
Q: How does the Reflex Klystron achieve high power output?
A: Through the velocity modulation and bunching of the electron beam, which generates
high-power microwave energy.
Q: What is the role of the output window in a Reflex Klystron?
A: The output window allows the generated microwave energy to be extracted from the
device.
Q: How does the Reflex Klystron compare to other microwave devices like magnetrons and
travelling-wave tubes?
A: Reflex Klystrons offer a compact and efficient design, with high power output and
simplicity, but may have limitations in terms of frequency stability and tuning range
compared to other devices.