A gyrotron traveling wave tube thermal measurement spark gate threshold dynamic adjustment circuit

Abstract

The application discloses a gyrotron traveling wave tube thermal measurement sparking threshold dynamic adjustment circuit, comprising a dynamic reference judgment circuit, a dynamic reference setting circuit, a sparking current sampling circuit, a voltage comparator circuit and an overcurrent protection action circuit, wherein one input end of the voltage comparator circuit is connected with the sparking current sampling circuit, the other input end is connected with the dynamic reference judgment circuit through the dynamic reference setting circuit, and the output end of the voltage comparator circuit is connected with the overcurrent protection action circuit. According to the method, the overcurrent threshold circuit is dynamically adjusted, the threshold value is manually or automatically adjusted in different stages of gyrotron aging, the threshold value is increased when high sparking energy is needed, and the threshold voltage is reduced when low sparking energy is needed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electronic circuits, and more specifically to a dynamic adjustment circuit for the thermal ignition threshold of a gyroscopic traveling wave tube. Background Technology

[0002] Gyrotron traveling wave tubes (GWTs), as high-power vacuum electronic devices operating in the millimeter-wave band, typically possess a series of characteristics such as high power, wide bandwidth, and high gain. They have been widely used in fields such as radar, millimeter-wave communication, and electronic warfare.

[0003] The testing phase of a gyroscopic traveling wave tube mainly consists of three stages: aging, debugging, and operation.

[0004] A. The aging stage of a cyclotron traveling wave tube (TWT) requires controllable and strong spark energy to quickly burn off burrs and contaminants on the electrodes. The aging stage involves current activation of the cathode to ensure sufficient and stable electron emission, reaching the rated operating current. This enhances the TWT's withstand voltage, allowing any potential sparking to occur to be completed during the aging process. Simultaneously, the current is used to degas the electrodes; excess gas is ultimately removed by a titanium pump attached to the TWT. The voltage difference between the electrodes of a cyclotron is very high, making them prone to high-voltage breakdown or leakage breakdown at the insulator surface. This is mainly due to rough electrode surfaces, burrs, or contaminants. Under high voltage conditions between the electrodes, the local electric field intensifies, leading to point discharge. The purpose of applying high voltage during the aging process is to burn off the burrs or contaminants on the electrodes through repeated spark breakdown energy, thereby improving the tube's withstand voltage.

[0005] B. During the commissioning phase of the gyrotube, the ignition energy needs to be dynamically adjusted based on test feedback data. During commissioning, a pre-amplifier microwave signal is input to the gyrotube's input window. The cause of ignition is no longer simply electrode breakdown; it could also be due to gas ionization avalanche effects, abnormal high-frequency interactions, or abnormal states caused by microwave reflection. The former still requires a certain amount of ignition energy to remove burrs and other tip discharge factors, while the latter requires reducing the ignition energy to avoid physical damage to the tube. Based on the various sensors deployed in the gyrotube testing system, the tube's vacuum level, ignition current amplitude, ignition current pulse width, microwave output detection, and microwave output spectrum are monitored to dynamically determine and adjust the ignition energy most suitable for the current commissioning phase of the gyrotube.

[0006] C. During the operation of the gyro traveling wave tube, arcing energy should be minimized as much as possible. After the gyro traveling wave tube has been aged and debugged, it should be operated according to the designed operating conditions. At this time, microwave arcing caused by any reason should be avoided. If it cannot be avoided, the protection unit should cut off the arcing energy as quickly as possible to protect the gyro traveling wave tube and the system.

[0007] Currently, traditional methods typically use an overcurrent protection circuit for arcing to cut off the high-voltage power supply modulator when the overcurrent threshold is reached, protecting the gyrotron traveling wave tube from damage caused by continuous overcurrent. This also provides a certain degree of arcing aging. However, this threshold value is fixed, and this traditional method cannot flexibly adjust the overcurrent threshold. On the one hand, it lacks a rapid aging effect; on the other hand, it cannot quickly cut off the arcing energy during the commissioning and operation phases to protect the gyrotron traveling wave tube and the system. Summary of the Invention

[0008] To address the aforementioned shortcomings in the prior art, this invention provides a dynamic adjustment circuit for the thermal ignition threshold of a gyroscopic traveling wave tube.

[0009] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the technical solution adopted by this invention is as follows:

[0010] A dynamic adjustment circuit for the ignition threshold of a gyroscopic traveling wave tube includes a dynamic reference judgment circuit, a dynamic reference setting circuit, an ignition current sampling circuit, a voltage comparator circuit, and an overcurrent protection circuit. One input of the voltage comparator circuit is connected to the ignition current sampling circuit, and the other input is connected to the dynamic reference judgment circuit through the dynamic reference setting circuit. The output of the voltage comparator circuit is connected to the overcurrent protection circuit.

[0011] Furthermore, the ignition current sampling circuit is used to collect the current value during the ignition process, including a resistor R1, a transient suppression diode D1, and a capacitor C1. One end of the transient suppression diode D1 is connected to the overcurrent signal input, and the other end is grounded. One end of the resistor R1 is connected to the overcurrent signal input, and the other end is grounded through the capacitor C1 and connected to the voltage comparator circuit.

[0012] Furthermore, the dynamic reference judgment circuit is used to determine the amount of ignition energy required in the current state, and by determining the amount of ignition energy, the required threshold voltage is determined. The output of the dynamic reference judgment circuit is connected to the dynamic reference setting circuit.

[0013] Furthermore, the dynamic reference setting circuit is used to adjust the threshold size when adjusting the ignition energy required by the dynamic reference judgment circuit. It includes a Zener diode D2, resistors R3, R4, R5, R6, and R8. One end of resistor R3 is connected to a +5V3 voltage source, and the other end is connected to the voltage comparator circuit through resistor R4 and grounded through the series connection of resistors R5 and R8. One end of resistor R6 is connected to the output terminal of the dynamic reference judgment circuit, and the other end is connected to the reference stage of Zener diode D2 through the connection point of resistors R5 and R8. The cathode of Zener diode D2 is connected to the midpoint of resistors R3 and R4, and the anode is grounded.

[0014] Furthermore, the voltage comparator is used to compare the voltage value output by the current ignition current sampling circuit with the current threshold voltage. The circuit includes a voltage comparator, resistors R7 and R8, and capacitor C3. One end of capacitor C3 is connected to the inverting input of the voltage comparator, and the other end is directly grounded. One end of resistor R7 is connected to the inverting input of the voltage comparator, and the other end is grounded through resistor R9. The non-inverting input of the voltage comparator is connected to the overcurrent input signal through resistor R1, the inverting input is connected to resistor R4, the system voltage section is connected to +5V, the GND terminal is grounded, and the output is connected to the overcurrent protection circuit through resistor R2.

[0015] Furthermore, the overcurrent protection circuit is used to react to the output state of the voltage comparator circuit, including an OR gate and a capacitor C2. One input terminal of the OR gate is connected to a reset signal, and the other input terminal is connected to a resistor R2 and grounded through the capacitor C2. The system voltage terminal of the OR gate is connected to a +5V3 voltage, the GND terminal is grounded, and the output terminal is the output of the dynamic adjustment circuit for the thermal ignition threshold of the gyroscopic traveling wave tube.

[0016] The present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0017] 1. Traditional methods typically set a fixed threshold value, which significantly reduces the efficiency of aging tests when higher ignition energy is required. This method, however, uses a dynamic reference circuit to determine the required ignition energy and then controls the threshold voltage generated by the downstream circuit.

[0018] 2. Traditional methods typically set a fixed threshold value, which cannot provide optimal protection when less or no ignition is needed during the commissioning or normal operation of the gyrotron traveling wave tube. However, this invention uses a dynamic reference judgment circuit to determine the required ignition energy, which can control the ignition energy to the most appropriate value during the commissioning or normal operation, thereby providing optimal protection. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the dynamic adjustment circuit principle of the thermal measurement ignition threshold of the gyroscopic traveling wave tube in this invention.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the specific connection of the dynamic adjustment circuit for the thermal measurement ignition threshold of the gyroscopic traveling wave tube in this invention.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the dynamic reference judgment circuit of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The specific embodiments of the present invention are described below to enable those skilled in the art to understand the present invention. However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the scope of the specific embodiments. For those skilled in the art, various changes are obvious as long as they are within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined and determined by the appended claims. All inventions utilizing the concept of the present invention are protected.

[0023] A dynamic adjustment circuit for the thermal ignition threshold of a gyroscopic traveling wave tube, such as... Figure 1 As shown, it includes a dynamic reference judgment circuit, a dynamic reference setting circuit, an ignition current sampling circuit, a voltage comparator circuit, and an overcurrent protection action circuit. One input of the voltage comparator circuit is connected to the ignition current sampling circuit, and the other input is connected to the dynamic reference judgment circuit through the dynamic reference setting circuit. The output of the voltage comparator circuit is connected to the overcurrent protection action circuit.

[0024] Specifically, such as Figure 2 As shown, the ignition current sampling circuit is used to collect the current value during the ignition process. It includes a resistor R1, a transient suppression diode D1, and a capacitor C1. One end of the transient suppression diode D1 is connected to the overcurrent signal input, and the other end is grounded. One end of the resistor R1 is connected to the overcurrent signal input, and the other end is grounded through the capacitor C1 and connected to the voltage comparator circuit.

[0025] One end of the ignition current sampling circuit is connected to the overcurrent signal input. A transient suppression diode D1, connected to ground at the other end, absorbs excessive surges generated during ignition to prevent damage to downstream circuitry. A resistor-capacitor filter circuit composed of resistor R1 and capacitor C1 filters out high-frequency interference signals to prevent false triggering of the protection system. The other end of the ignition current sampling circuit is connected to the non-inverting input of a voltage comparator.

[0026] like Figure 3As shown, the dynamic reference judgment circuit is used to determine the amount of ignition energy required for the current state. By determining the amount of ignition energy, the required threshold voltage is determined. The microcontroller uses an ADC to sample the current values ​​of the titanium pump, cathode current, and detector amplitude of the test system. Simultaneously, it receives product characteristic parameters from the host computer. Combining this with the testing physics of the gyrotron waveguide, the microcontroller program performs data analysis and dynamically calculates the most suitable dynamic reference value for the current stage. The DAC chip and its peripheral circuits receive the dynamic reference value calculated by the microcontroller program and convert it into an overcurrent threshold voltage. The output of the dynamic reference judgment circuit is connected to the dynamic reference setting circuit.

[0027] like Figure 2 As shown, the dynamic reference setting circuit is used to adjust the threshold size when adjusting the ignition energy required by the dynamic reference judgment circuit. It includes a Zener diode D2, resistors R3, R4, R5, R6, and R8. One end of resistor R3 is connected to a +5V3 voltage source, and the other end is connected to the voltage comparator circuit through resistor R4 and grounded through a series connection of resistors R5 and R8. One end of resistor R6 is connected to the output terminal of the dynamic reference judgment circuit, and the other end is connected to the reference stage of Zener diode D2 through the junction of resistors R5 and R8. The cathode of Zener diode D2 is connected to the midpoint between resistors R3 and R4, and the anode is grounded. In this circuit, the other end of the input-side resistor R6 is connected to the dynamic reference judgment circuit. When the output of the dynamic reference judgment circuit changes, the dynamic reference setting circuit obtains a variable and stable reference setting voltage for the inverting input terminal of the voltage comparator as a reference value.

[0028] like Figure 2 As shown, the voltage comparator is used to compare the voltage value output by the current ignition current sampling circuit with the current threshold voltage. The circuit includes a voltage comparator, resistors R7 and R8, and capacitor C3. One end of capacitor C3 is connected to the inverting input of the voltage comparator, and the other end is directly grounded. One end of resistor R7 is connected to the inverting input of the voltage comparator, and the other end is grounded through resistor R9. The non-inverting input of the voltage comparator is connected to the overcurrent input signal through resistor R1, the inverting input is connected to resistor R4, the system voltage section is connected to +5V, the GND terminal is grounded, and the output is connected to the overcurrent protection circuit through resistor R2. In this circuit, if the current voltage at the non-inverting input exceeds the threshold value at the inverting input, the overcurrent protection circuit will be triggered.

[0029] The overcurrent protection circuit reacts to the output state of the voltage comparator circuit. It includes an OR gate and capacitor C2. One input of the OR gate is connected to a reset signal, and the other input is connected to resistor R2 and grounded through capacitor C2. The system voltage terminal of the OR gate is connected to +5V, and the GND terminal is grounded. The output is the output of the dynamic adjustment circuit for the thermal ignition threshold of the gyrotron traveling wave tube. In this circuit, if the ignition voltage exceeds the threshold voltage, the overcurrent signal is latched and the high-voltage power modulator is cut off, protecting the gyrotron traveling wave tube from damage caused by continuous overcurrent and simultaneously protecting the power supply from overheating damage caused by continuous overcurrent.

[0030] Specific embodiments have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this invention. The descriptions of the embodiments above are only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of this invention. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope based on the ideas of this invention. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this invention.

[0031] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments described herein are intended to help the reader understand the principles of the invention, and should be understood that the scope of protection of the invention is not limited to such specific statements and embodiments. Those skilled in the art can make various other specific modifications and combinations based on the technical teachings disclosed in this invention without departing from the spirit of the invention, and these modifications and combinations are still within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. A dynamic adjustment circuit for the thermal ignition threshold of a gyroscopic traveling wave tube, characterized in that, It includes a dynamic reference judgment circuit, a dynamic reference setting circuit, an ignition current sampling circuit, a voltage comparator circuit, and an overcurrent protection action circuit. One input terminal of the voltage comparator circuit is connected to the ignition current sampling circuit, and the other input terminal is connected to the dynamic reference judgment circuit via the dynamic reference setting circuit. The output terminal of the voltage comparator circuit is connected to the overcurrent protection action circuit. The dynamic reference judgment circuit is used to determine the magnitude of the ignition energy required for the current state, and by determining the magnitude of the ignition energy, it further determines the magnitude of the required threshold voltage. The output of the dynamic reference judgment circuit is connected to the dynamic reference setting circuit. The dynamic reference setting circuit is used to adjust the threshold size when adjusting the ignition energy required by the dynamic reference judgment circuit. It includes a Zener diode D2, resistors R3, R4, R5, R6, and R8. One end of resistor R3 is connected to a +5V3 voltage source, and the other end is connected to the voltage comparator circuit through resistor R4 and grounded through a series connection of resistors R5 and R8. One end of resistor R6 is connected to the output terminal of the dynamic reference judgment circuit, and the other end is connected to the reference electrode of Zener diode D2 through the connection point of resistors R5 and R8. The cathode of Zener diode D2 is connected to the midpoint between resistors R3 and R4, and the anode is grounded.

2. The gyroscopic traveling wave tube thermal ignition threshold dynamic adjustment circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ignition current sampling circuit is used to collect the current value during the ignition process. It includes a resistor R1, a transient suppression diode D1, and a capacitor C1. One end of the transient suppression diode D1 is connected to the overcurrent signal input, and the other end is grounded. One end of the resistor R1 is connected to the overcurrent signal input, and the other end is grounded through the capacitor C1 and connected to the voltage comparator circuit.

3. The dynamic adjustment circuit for thermal ignition threshold of a gyroscopic traveling wave tube according to claim 1, characterized in that, The voltage comparator circuit is used to compare the voltage value output by the current ignition current sampling circuit with the current threshold voltage. The circuit includes a voltage comparator, resistors R7 and R9, and capacitor C3. One end of capacitor C3 is connected to the inverting input of the voltage comparator, and the other end is directly grounded. One end of resistor R7 is connected to the inverting input of the voltage comparator, and the other end is grounded through resistor R9. The non-inverting input of the voltage comparator is connected to the overcurrent input signal through resistor R1, the inverting input is connected to resistor R4, the system voltage terminal is connected to +5V, the GND terminal is grounded, and the output terminal is connected to the overcurrent protection circuit through resistor R2.

4. The gyroscopic traveling wave tube thermal ignition threshold dynamic adjustment circuit according to claim 3, characterized in that, The overcurrent protection circuit is used to react to the output state of the voltage comparator circuit. It includes an OR gate and a capacitor C2. One input of the OR gate is connected to a reset signal, and the other input is connected to a resistor R2 and grounded through the capacitor C2. The system voltage terminal of the OR gate is connected to a +5V3 voltage, the GND terminal is grounded, and the output is the output of the dynamic adjustment circuit for the thermal ignition threshold of the gyroscopic traveling wave tube.

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