Cathode voltage adjustment to compensate helix pitch tolerance in TWTs

D'Agostino, S and Paoloni, C (2004) Cathode voltage adjustment to compensate helix pitch tolerance in TWTs. Electronics Letters, 40 (1). pp. 36-38. ISSN 0013-5194

Abstract

The correct definition of helix pitch profile in multisection helix travelling-wave tubes is fundamental to obtain the required performance. The impact of tolerances on helix pitch manufacturing is a relevant reason for significant degradation of the small-signal gain. A detailed study analysing the effectiveness of compensating the effect of helix pitch error by a cathode voltage adjustment is proposed.