Radiation cooling type space traveling wave tube aging method and system

Abstract

The application belongs to the technical field of space traveling wave tubes, and specifically provides a radiation cooling type space traveling wave tube aging method and system, which comprises a radiation radiator heating aging step. In the radiation radiator heating aging step, the radiation cooling type space traveling wave tube is first powered and heated; then the radiation radiator is heated and the surface temperature thereof is raised to a set value; and then the surface temperature of the radiation radiator is kept at the set value, the input signal power state and / or the working voltage pull-off value of the space traveling wave tube are adjusted, and the aging of the radiation cooling type space traveling wave tube under different working states is sequentially completed. The aging method and system only need to heat the radiation radiator, and can reduce the cost of the aging of the radiation cooling type space traveling wave tube.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of space traveling wave tube technology, and specifically provides a method and system for aging a radiation-cooled space traveling wave tube. Background Technology

[0002] A traveling wave tube (TWT) is a microwave vacuum electronic device characterized by high frequency, wide bandwidth, and high power. Space TWTs are widely used in satellite payload systems, serving as the final stage amplification stage for microwaves.

[0003] Because high-power space traveling wave tubes generate significant heat, they put considerable strain on the entire satellite's temperature control system. Therefore, high-power space traveling wave tubes typically employ radiative cooling, such as radiatively cooled high-power space traveling wave tubes. Figure 4 As shown, the collector electrode, which generates the most heat, is placed outside the satellite module, and the heat is radiated into space by a radiating heat sink on the collector electrode. When the radiating heat sink at the collector electrode faces the sun, the ambient temperature of the radiating heat sink reaches +105℃, and the surface temperature of the radiator exceeds 200℃. At high temperatures, the risk of gas leakage inside the traveling wave tube increases significantly, affecting its reliability and stability. Therefore, in the production process of high-power space traveling wave tubes, it is necessary to simulate the high-temperature environment of space and conduct high-temperature aging to ensure the reliability and stability of the product.

[0004] The inventors understand that there is a high-temperature aging method for space traveling wave tubes in related technical solutions, but it has the following drawbacks:

[0005] (1) During the aging process, the entire radiant cooling space traveling wave tube is placed in a hot vacuum tank. The ambient temperature in the hot vacuum tank simulates the ambient temperature of the radiant radiator in space (i.e. +105℃). This method has high requirements for the performance and size of the hot vacuum tank and consumes a lot of energy.

[0006] (2) When the traveling wave tube is aged, it only operates in the input signal saturation state under the rated operating voltage. In reality, when the space traveling wave tube is working on the rail, it needs to operate in the silent, small signal, saturation state. At the same time, the power supply of the traveling wave tube has temperature drift and the output voltage also fluctuates to a certain extent, causing the actual operating voltage of the traveling wave tube to deviate from the rated voltage. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide a method and system for aging a radiation-cooled space traveling wave tube, so as to at least solve one of the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0008] To address the aforementioned problems in the prior art, one or more embodiments of the present invention provide a aging method for a radiant-cooled space traveling wave tube, including a radiant radiator heating aging step, the radiant radiator heating aging step comprising:

[0009] Step 1: Power on the radiant-cooled space traveling wave tube to heat the radiant radiator separately and raise its surface temperature to the set value.

[0010] Step 2: Maintain the surface temperature of the radiant heat sink at the set value, adjust the input signal power state and / or operating voltage bias value of the space traveling wave tube, and sequentially complete the aging of the radiant-cooled space traveling wave tube under different operating conditions.

[0011] Furthermore, the operating voltage includes the solenoid voltage U of the radiated traveling wave tube. h Collector voltage U c Focusing voltage U g Step 2 specifically includes the following steps:

[0012] Step 2.1: When the working voltage bias value is zero, the aging process is completed for the third set time and the fourth set time when the input signal power state is static and saturated, respectively.

[0013] Step 2.2, voltage U h Pull-off voltage -20V, voltage U c Pull-off -100V, voltage U g Pull the bias to 0V; complete the aging process for the fifth and sixth set durations respectively when the input signal power is in saturation and power sweep states;

[0014] Step 2.3: The working voltage bias value is zero, and the input signal decreases by 12 dBm from the saturation state; the aging process is completed for the seventh set duration.

[0015] Step 2.4, voltage U h Pull to +20V, voltage U c Pull to +100V, voltage U g Pull the bias to 0V; complete the aging process for the eighth and ninth set durations respectively when the input signal power is in saturation and power sweep states;

[0016] Step 2.5, voltage U h Pull-off voltage 0V, voltage U c Pull-off voltage 0V, voltage U g Pull the bias by -0.5V; when the input signal power is in saturation state, complete the aging process for the tenth set duration;

[0017] Step 2.6, voltage U h Pull-off voltage 0V, voltage U c Pull-off voltage 0V, voltage U g Pull the bias to +0.5V; when the input signal power is in saturation state, complete the aging process for the eleventh set duration.

[0018] One or more embodiments of the present invention also provide a radiation-cooled space traveling wave tube aging system, including a traveling wave tube power supply, a signal source, a waveguide directional coupler, a power meter, a load, and a heating device.

[0019] The traveling wave tube power supply is used to power the radiated traveling wave tube, ensuring that the operating voltage of the radiated traveling wave tube meets the set requirements; the signal source is used to provide an input signal to the SMA input terminal of the radiated traveling wave tube; the waveguide directional coupler is used to receive the waveguide output of the radiated traveling wave tube; the power meter is used to obtain the waveguide output power of the radiated traveling wave tube through the waveguide directional coupler; the load is used to receive the power from the output port of the waveguide directional coupler; and the heating device is used to heat the radiant heat sink separately.

[0020] The beneficial effects of one or more of the above technical solutions:

[0021] In this aging method, the radiant heat sink is heated separately until its surface temperature rises to a set value (which can be set to a surface temperature of 200°C or higher). This simulates the high-temperature environment of the radiant-cooled space traveling wave tube in space, thus aging the radiant-cooled space traveling wave tube at high temperatures. In this setup, the main body of the space traveling wave tube, except for the radiant heat sink, does not need to be heated, which can effectively save power.

[0022] Simultaneously, by using the heating conditions where the surface temperature of the radiant heat sink reaches a set value, the ambient temperature in the hot vacuum tank in the existing technology can be replaced to simulate the space environment temperature. The heating equipment can be used to concentrate the heating of the radiant heat sink, reducing the dispersion and consumption of heat, thereby reducing the cost of this type of space traveling wave tube during aging.

[0023] This solution addresses the issue of a space traveling wave tube (TWT) operating in orbit under silent, low-signal, and saturated conditions. It also addresses the temperature drift and voltage fluctuations in the TWT power supply, which cause the actual operating voltage to deviate from the rated voltage. By sequentially adjusting the power of the input signal and various operating voltages of the radially cooled space TWT, the solution achieves aging of the TWT under different operating conditions, more closely mimicking its actual on-orbit operation and resulting in a better aging effect. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The following description refers to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic flowchart of the heating and aging steps of the radiant radiator in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of the aging system in Embodiment 2 of the present invention without the heating device installed;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the aging system after the heating device has been installed in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the heating device in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a radiation-cooled space traveling wave tube in the existing technology.

[0030] 1. End cap; 2. Heating cage; 3. Electric heating component; 4. Opening. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Those skilled in the art should understand that the embodiments described below are merely preferred embodiments of this application, and these preferred embodiments are only used to explain the technical principles of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0032] It should be noted that in the description of this application, terms such as "center," "upper," "lower," "top," "bottom," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," which indicate direction or positional relationships, are based on the direction or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These are used merely for ease of description and do not indicate or imply that the device or element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation; therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0033] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation" and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can also refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0034] like Figure 5 As shown, existing technologies requiring aging of radiant-cooled space traveling wave tubes include radiant heat sinks, electron guns, high-frequency components, and packaging. When a satellite is actually in orbit, except for the collector and radiant heat sink which are located within the satellite compartment, the remaining components are housed inside the compartment and are not directly exposed to the high temperatures caused by direct sunlight. Therefore, existing technologies place the entire radiant-cooled heat sink within a vacuum heating chamber, resulting in inaccuracies in the simulated conditions.

[0035] like Figure 1 As shown, a typical embodiment of this application provides a aging method for a radiant-cooled space traveling wave tube, including a radiant radiator heating aging step, which includes:

[0036] Step 1: Power on the radiant-cooled space traveling wave tube to heat the radiant radiator separately and raise its surface temperature to the set value.

[0037] Step 2: Maintain the surface temperature of the radiant heat sink at the set value, adjust the input signal power state and / or operating voltage bias value of the space traveling wave tube, and sequentially complete the aging of the radiant-cooled space traveling wave tube under different operating conditions.

[0038] It is understandable that the aging of radiant-cooled space traveling wave tubes should also include room temperature aging. In this case, the aging of space traveling wave tubes with the radiant-cooled radiator at room temperature is defined as room temperature aging. Room temperature aging should be placed in the pre-process and / or post-process of the radiant radiator heating aging.

[0039] Specifically, before the aging process of the radiant heat sink, while the radiant heat sink is still at room temperature, the aging of the radiant-cooled space traveling wave tube is performed for a first set time. This first set time is determined by those skilled in the art. In one preferred embodiment, at room temperature, the aging time is 200 hours when the input signal pin is in a saturated state; and 100 hours when the input signal pin is in a static state.

[0040] Specifically, after the radiant heat sink heating and aging step, once the radiant heat sink has cooled to room temperature, the radiant-cooled space traveling wave tube is aged for a second set duration. This second set duration is determined by those skilled in the art. In one preferred embodiment, at room temperature, when the input signal pin is saturated, the aging time is 100 hours.

[0041] In this embodiment, the operating voltage includes the solenoid voltage U of the radiated traveling wave tube. h Collector voltage U c Focusing voltage U g Step 2 specifically includes the following steps:

[0042] Step 2.1: With the working voltage bias value at zero, the aging process is completed for the third and fourth set times, respectively, when the input signal power state is static and saturated. Preferably, the aging time is 100 hours when the input signal pin is in saturation and 50 hours when the input signal pin is static.

[0043] Step 2.2, voltage U h Pull-off voltage -20V, voltage U c Pull-off -100V, voltage Ug Pull the bias to 0V; complete the aging process for the fifth and sixth set durations respectively when the input signal power state is saturated and when the power is swept; preferably, the aging time is 50 hours when the input signal pin is in saturation state; the aging time is 50 hours when the input signal pin is in static state.

[0044] Step 2.3: The working voltage pull-off value is zero, and the input signal is reduced by 12 dBm from the saturation state; the aging process is completed for the seventh set time; preferably, when the input signal is reduced by 12 dBm from the saturation state, the aging time is 50 hours.

[0045] Step 2.4, voltage U h Pull to +20V, voltage U c Pull to +100V, voltage U g The voltage is pulled to 0V; aging is completed for the eighth and ninth set durations respectively when the input signal power state is saturated and when the power is swept; in this embodiment, the power value of the input signal in saturation is a dBm; the power variation range of the input signal in power sweep is (a-20) dBm to (a+5) dBm. Preferably, when the input signal pin is in saturation, the aging time is 50 hours; when the input signal pin is in power sweep, the aging time is 50 hours.

[0046] Step 2.5, voltage U h Pull-off voltage 0V, voltage U c Pull-off voltage 0V, voltage U g Pull the bias to -0.5V; when the input signal power is in a saturated state, complete the aging process for the tenth set time; preferably, when the input signal pin is in a saturated state, the aging time is 50 hours.

[0047] Step 2.6, voltage U h Pull-off voltage 0V, voltage U c Pull-off voltage 0V, voltage U g Pull the voltage by +0.5V; when the input signal power is in saturation, complete the aging process for the eleventh set duration. Preferably, when the input signal pin is in saturation, the aging time is 50 hours.

[0048] In this embodiment, when the radiant radiator is exposed to space and faces the sun, the surface temperature of the radiant radiator is a value B; the value is set to be equal to the value B, preferably, the surface temperature of the radiant radiator is +200℃.

[0049] Table 1 - Aging Steps for Radiation-Cooled Space Traveling Wave Tubes

[0050]

[0051]

[0052] In order to enhance the adaptability of the electron beam to the changes in the focusing electrode voltage, the range of the power supply focusing electrode voltage is -0.2 to +0.2V when the radiation-cooled space traveling wave tube is working. At the same time, to ensure a margin, the focusing electrode voltage bias value during aging is set to -0.5V and +0.5V.

[0053] When a radiated-cooled space traveling wave tube (TWT) is integrated with a TWT power supply, the output voltage of the integrated TWT power supply fluctuates within a certain range at high and low temperatures due to the "temperature drift" phenomenon. Specifically, at high temperatures, the solenoid voltage changes by +10V, and the voltages of the four collectors change simultaneously by +30 to +50V; at low temperatures, the solenoid voltage changes by -10V, and the voltages of the four collectors change simultaneously by -30 to -50V.

[0054] To ensure the aging effect, the change in the power supply output voltage of the traveling wave tube (TWT) during aging is taken as twice the change in the power supply output voltage of the integrated TWT. When aging the TWT with voltage bias, the solenoid voltage is biased by -20V and the four collector voltages are biased by -100V; the solenoid voltage is biased by +20V and the four collector voltages are biased by +100V. Therefore, during voltage bias aging, the operating voltage of the TWT includes the four cases in Table 1 below: (1) rated voltage; (2) the solenoid voltage is biased by -20V and the four collector voltages are biased by -100V, and other voltages are not biased; (3) the solenoid voltage is biased by +20V and the four collector voltages are biased by +100V, and other voltages are not biased; (4) the focusing electrode voltage is biased by ±0.5V and other voltages are not biased.

[0055] like Figures 2-4 As shown, one or more embodiments of this application also provide a radiation-cooled space traveling wave tube aging system, including a traveling wave tube power supply, a signal source, a waveguide directional coupler, a power meter, a load, and a heating device.

[0056] The traveling wave tube power supply is used to power the radiated space traveling wave tube, ensuring that the operating voltage of the radiated space traveling wave tube meets the set requirements; the signal source is used to provide the input signal to the SMA input terminal of the radiated space traveling wave tube; the waveguide directional coupler is used to receive the waveguide output of the radiated space traveling wave tube; the power meter is used to obtain the waveguide output power of the radiated space traveling wave tube through the waveguide directional coupler; and the load is used to receive the power from the output port of the waveguide directional coupler.

[0057] The heating device includes a heating cage, an electric heating component, a temperature sensor, and a controller. The heating cage has a heating chamber, and one end of the heating cage has an opening for placing the radiant radiator to be heated into the heating chamber. The electric heating component covers the outside of the heating cage and is used to heat the heating cage. The temperature sensor can be attached to the surface of the radiant radiator to be heated. The controller can receive the signal from the temperature sensor and control the heating power of the electric heating component.

[0058] In one configuration, the heating cage includes a cylindrical body 2, one end of which is sealed, and the other end has an opening 4. This opening 4 allows the radiant radiator of a radiant-cooled space traveling wave tube to be inserted into the inner cavity of the cylindrical body 2. A removable end cap 1 is then provided at the opening 4. This end cap 1 has a split structure (e.g., it can be divided into two or three halves circumferentially). After the radiant radiator is inserted into the inner cavity of the cylindrical body 2, the end cap 1 fills the remaining space at the opening 4. The electric heating element 3 can be a resistance wire or a glass fiber heating strip, etc. It is simply wrapped evenly around the outer circumference of the cylindrical body 2, and then the resistance wire or glass fiber heating strip is connected to a power source.

[0059] Before placing the radiant heat sink into the heating cage, multiple temperature sensors need to be evenly attached to the surface of the radiant heat sink. A controller is used to read the signals from the temperature sensors. When the sensor farthest from the inner wall of the heating cage detects that the surface temperature of the radiant heat sink is within acceptable limits, the temperature of the heating component is reduced, causing the entire heating cage to enter a heat preservation mode. Then, the radiant-cooled space traveling wave tube can be subjected to high-temperature aging.

[0060] The technical solutions of this application have been described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments above. However, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the scope of protection of this application is not limited to the above preferred embodiments. Without departing from the technical principles of this application, those skilled in the art can disassemble and combine the technical solutions in the above preferred embodiments, and can also make equivalent changes or substitutions to the relevant technical features. Any changes, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the technical concept and / or technical principles of this application will fall within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A method for aging a radiation-cooled space traveling wave tube, characterized in that, The process includes a radiant radiator heating and aging step, which includes: Step 1: Power on the radiant-cooled space traveling wave tube to heat the radiant radiator separately and raise its surface temperature to the set value. Step 2: Maintain the surface temperature of the radiant heat sink at the set value, adjust the input signal power state and working voltage bias value of the space traveling wave tube, and sequentially complete the aging of the radiant-cooled space traveling wave tube under different working conditions. The operating voltage includes the solenoid voltage U of the radiated traveling wave tube. h Collector voltage U c Focusing voltage U g Step 2 specifically includes the following steps: Step 2.1: When the working voltage bias value is zero, the aging process is completed for the third set time and the fourth set time when the input signal power state is static and saturated, respectively. Step 2.2, voltage U h Pull-off voltage -20V, voltage U c Pull-off -100V, voltage U g Pull the bias to 0V; complete the aging process for the fifth and sixth set durations respectively when the input signal power is in saturation and power sweep states; Step 2.3: The working voltage bias value is zero, and the input signal decreases by 12 dBm from the saturation state; the aging process is completed for the seventh set duration. Step 2.4, voltage U h Pull to +20V, voltage U c Pull to +100V, voltage U g Pull the bias to 0V; complete the aging process for the eighth and ninth set durations respectively when the input signal power is in saturation and power sweep states; Step 2.5, voltage U h Pull-off voltage 0V, voltage U c Pull-off voltage 0V, voltage U g Pull the bias by -0.5V; when the input signal power is in saturation state, complete the aging process for the tenth set duration; Step 2.6, voltage U h Pull-off voltage 0V, voltage U c Pull-off voltage 0V, voltage U g Pull the bias to +0.5V; when the input signal power is in saturation state, complete the aging process for the eleventh set duration.

2. The aging method for a radiation-cooled space traveling wave tube according to claim 1, characterized in that, Before the heating and aging step of the radiant radiator, the radiant radiator is aged for a first set time while it is at room temperature.

3. The aging method for a radiation-cooled space traveling wave tube according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, After the radiant radiator heating and aging step, once the radiant radiator has cooled to room temperature, the radiant-cooled space traveling wave tube is aged for a second set duration.

4. The aging method for a radiation-cooled space traveling wave tube according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power value of the input signal at saturation is a dBm; the power variation range of the input signal during power sweep is (a-20) dBm to (a+5) dBm.

5. The aging method for a radiation-cooled space traveling wave tube according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the radiant radiator is exposed to space and faces the sun, the surface temperature of the radiant radiator is value B; the set value is equal to value B.

6. A radiation-cooled space traveling wave tube aging system, used to implement the radiation-cooled space traveling wave tube aging method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, include: A traveling wave tube power supply is used to supply power to a radially cooled space traveling wave tube so that the operating voltage of the radially cooled space traveling wave tube meets the set requirements. A signal source is used to provide input signals to the SMA input terminal of a radiated traveling wave tube. A waveguide directional coupler is used to receive the waveguide output of the radiated-cooled space traveling wave tube; A power meter is used to obtain the waveguide output power of the radiated space traveling wave tube through the waveguide directional coupler; The load is used to receive power from the output port of the waveguide directional coupler. A heating device for individually heating the radiant radiator.

7. The aging system for a radiation-cooled space traveling wave tube according to claim 6, characterized in that, The heating device includes: A heating cage having a heating chamber, with an opening at one end for placing a radiant heat sink to be heated into the heating chamber; An electric heating assembly, which covers the outside of the heating cage, is used to heat the heating cage; Temperature sensor, which can be attached to the surface of a heated radiant heat sink; The controller is capable of receiving signals from the temperature sensor and controlling the heating power of the electric heating component.

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