Electronic power conditioner anode voltage control

Details Electronic power conditioner anode voltage control Electronic power conditioner anode voltage control

1999-10-25

2001-05-08

Shingleton, Michael B (Department: 2838)

Electric lamp and discharge devices: systems

Cathode ray tube circuits

Plural cathode-ray tubes in the circuit

C315S003500

Reexamination Certificate

active

06229262

ABSTRACT:

TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to an electronic power conditioner (EPC) and more particularly to anode voltage control for an EPC.
BACKGROUND ART
Traveling wave tubes (TWTs) are a common feature of most communication satellites. Multiple TWTs are used on spacecraft and generally an individual power supply, known as an electronic power condiditioner (EPC), is associated with each TWT. The EPC delivers the necessary bias voltages and currents to the TWT.
A dual EPC which allows one of two TWTs to be independently turned on and off, turns on and off the anode voltage to the respective TWT. In the prior art, this is done by referencing an anode drive circuit to the cathode potential.
In the prior art, the anode drive circuits are referenced to a cathode voltage that is common to both TWTs. In this configuration it is possible to vary the anode voltage between its normal operating voltage and the cathode voltage thereby turning off the respective TWT. A large anode drive voltage is required due to the large voltage difference between the anode voltage and the cathode voltage.
The prior art circuit is overly complex, which ultimately results in lowered operating efficiency. There is a need for an anode voltage control circuit that allows independent control of each TWT and improves the operating efficiency of an EPC.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is an anode voltage control circuit for an EPC that powers at least two TWTs. The present invention reduces the voltage produced by the anode drive circuits.
In the present invention, the anode drive circuit is referenced to a higher positive voltage than the cathode. This higher positive voltage is present at one of the collector voltages used by the TWT. The result is that a lower anode drive voltage is required to operate the TWTs. Fewer losses are produced when generating a lower control anode drive voltage, and the result is a more efficient EPC.
It is an object of the present invention to enhance the efficiency of an EPC that powers two TWTs. It is another object of the present invention to provide an anode voltage control circuit for the EPC. It is yet another object of the present invention to reference the anode drive circuit to a potential that is higher than the cathode voltage.
Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent when viewed in light of the detailed description of the preferred embodiment when taken in conjunction with the attached drawings and appended claims.


REFERENCES:
patent: 5764003 (1998-06-01), Boone

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