HF combiner assembly for HF amplifier assembly of particle accelerator, HF amplifier assembly of this type and particle accelerator of this type

Abstract

The invention relates to an HF combiner assembly (2) comprising a plurality of signal paths (20), each signal path (20) having a signal conductor (21), an input connection contact (22) for the hot-pluggable connection of an amplifier module (3), and a signal interruption device (23). The individual signal conductors (21) are electrically connected to each other at a summation point (24). Each signal interruption device (23) is designed to operate in a first operating mode and in a second operating mode. The respective signal interruption device (23) is designed to interrupt a power flow on the respective signal conductor (21) from the summation point (24) towards the respective input connection contact (22) in a first operating mode. The respective signal interruption device (23) is designed to allow a power flow between the respective input connection contact (22) and the summing point (24) in a second operating mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an HF combiner assembly for an HF amplifier assembly of a particle accelerator, such an HF amplifier assembly and such a particle accelerator. Background Art

[0002] In order to operate a particle accelerator, very high powers are required. This power is provided by at least one HF amplifier assembly. Such an HF amplifier assembly must be able to generate high output powers and at the same time have high availability, since the particle accelerator is operated in a continuous operation mode.

[0003] Important elements of such an HF amplifier assembly are an HF combiner assembly and a plurality of amplifier modules. The HF combiner assembly adds the output powers of the corresponding amplifier modules.

[0004] In the field of application within the scope of the described particle accelerators, various special situations arise. The operation of HF amplifier components is usually accompanied by high reflections, i.e. the voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) of the load reaches "infinity". The output power is then almost completely reflected. This can damage the HF amplifier components and thus the corresponding amplifier modules.

[0005] Furthermore, power flows between amplifier modules can occur if the output signals of the respective amplifier modules are asymmetrical in phase and / or amplitude. The resulting reverse loading of the outputs of the amplifier modules Added to the component of the power reflected at the output of the HF amplifier assembly. This reverse loading can easily be a multiple of the transmit power of a certain amplifier module.

[0006] When using a plurality of amplifier modules, which are necessary to be able to supply the required total power to the particle accelerator, it has not been possible to ensure a correspondingly high availability of the power input. Summary of the invention

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a possibility for providing a reliable energy supply which can also be used, for example, in particle accelerators in which the above-mentioned special situations occur.

[0008] This object is achieved by an HF combiner assembly according to claim 1, an HF amplifier assembly according to claim 21 and a particle accelerator according to claim 35. Developments according to the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0009] The HF combiner assembly according to the invention can be used in particular for an HF amplifier assembly, which in turn can be used to operate a particle accelerator. The HF combiner assembly comprises a plurality of signal paths, wherein each signal path comprises:

[0010] a) signal conductor, used to transmit HF signals;

[0011] b) input connection contacts for hot-swappable connection of an amplifier module; and

[0012] c) Signal interruption device.

[0013] The signal conductors extend from their respective input connection contacts to a summing point at which they are electrically connected to one another. There are output connection contacts, which are electrically connected to the summing point, wherein a load can be connected to the output connection contacts, to which the HF signals on the individual signal conductors can be output in an additive manner. The respective signal interruption devices are configured to operate in a first operating mode and in a second operating mode. In the first operating mode, the respective signal interruption devices are configured to interrupt the power flow on the respective signal conductor from the summing point toward the respective input connection contacts. In the second operating mode, the respective signal interruption devices are configured to allow a power flow between the respective input connection contacts and the summing point.

[0014] It is particularly advantageous that amplifier modules can be connected to the HF combiner assembly, and these amplifier modules can be replaced by a "hot plug" connection. This means precisely that during the continuous operation of the HF combiner assembly, that is, during the continuous operation of the HF amplifier assembly equipped with such an HF combiner assembly, the corresponding amplifier module can be replaced. Therefore, the amplifier module can be inserted and unplugged during the continuous operation. This is especially possible because a signal interruption device is provided, which can work in the first operating mode and the second operating mode. In the first operating mode, the power flow on the corresponding signal conductor is interrupted. In this case, the amplifier module can then be unplugged. In this operating mode of the corresponding signal interruption device, the reflected power and / or reverse loading no longer constitute a load problem for the plug connection, and do not pose a risk to the operator. At the same time, redundancy is increased in the following manner, that is, multiple amplifier modules can be connected to the HF combiner assembly, wherein the HF combiner assembly adds the output power of these amplifier modules at the summing point. In the event of failure of an amplifier module, it can be replaced during continued operation by means of a "hot-swap" connection, while at the same time ensuring that no more power is present at the input connection contacts of the defective amplifier module, i.e. independently of the operating state of the HF combiner assembly or of the load connected to the HF combiner assembly. The other amplifier modules that are not defective are designed and provide such an output power that the operation of the particle accelerator is not affected even when at least one defective amplifier module is replaced.

[0015] HF combiner assembly according to the present invention comprises HF combiner.HF combiner can be understood as microwave power synthesizer in particular, and it is configured to combine multiple input powers (from different amplifier modules) into common output power.For this reason, such HF combiner comprises corresponding signal conductor, summing point, and output connection contact and corresponding input connection contact.HF combiner is particularly configured to be used for combining HF signal of at least 1MHz, 50MHz, 100MHz, 200MHz, 300MHz, 400MHz, 500MHz, 600MHz, 700MHz, 800MHz, 900MHz or at least 1GHz frequency.In addition, HF combiner is preferably configured to be used for combining at least 500W, 1kW, 2kW, 3kW, 4kW or at least 5kW input power of corresponding amplifier module.Therefore HF combiner assembly comprises HF combiner and corresponding signal interruption device.

[0016] The summing point can be a common (single) summing point where the individual signal conductors meet. It can also be a cascaded summing point where the powers of all signal conductors are ultimately summed. In this case, the powers of the signal conductors will be sequentially summed to a common combined power.

[0017] The signal conductors are electrically connected to one another at the summing point. The term "electrically" also includes electromagnetic connections. Thus, the HF combiner assembly can also be a hollow conductor combiner or a cavity combiner, or the HF combiner assembly can include such a hollow conductor combiner or a cavity combiner, in which the summation of the individual HF signals is achieved via their wave propagation rather than via electrical conductors.

[0018] In an extension of the HF combiner assembly, the corresponding signal interruption device is configured to switch into the first operating mode by mechanical means and / or electrical means. Alternatively or in addition, the corresponding signal interruption device is configured to switch into the second operating mode by the mechanical means and / or the electrical means. Thus, the appropriate operating mode can be selected in a particularly simple manner before the corresponding amplifier module is unplugged or plugged in.

[0019] In an extension of the HF combiner assembly, the mechanical means is a (single or multi-piece) control rod. The control rod can (especially or only) make contact or break contact with the corresponding signal interruption device when the amplifier module is connected. As a result, the operating mode of the corresponding signal interruption device can be changed. If the corresponding signal interruption device is in a first operating mode, it can be changed to a second operating mode, and vice versa.

[0020] In an extended solution of the HF combiner assembly, the electrical means is a control signal. The corresponding signal interruption device is configured to receive the control signal from the corresponding amplifier module and / or from a superior control unit, so that the corresponding signal interruption device changes the operating mode. With the help of a superior control unit that can be integrated in, for example, a dispatch center (Leitstelle), the signal interruption device can be controlled in such a way that the signal interruption device is changed to a first operating mode, thereby interrupting the power flow between the amplifier module and the summing point of the HF combiner assembly. Thus, the user can remove the corresponding amplifier module (without having to worry about voltage breakdown) and replace it with another amplifier module. The control signal can also be generated, for example, by a button operation introduced by the user before pulling out the corresponding amplifier module. In addition or alternatively, when the corresponding amplifier module (for example, with the help of a self-monitoring routine) detects a defect therein, the control signal can also be directly generated by the corresponding amplifier module.

[0021] In an extension of the HF combiner assembly, the corresponding signal interruption device is configured to detect the unplugging operation of the corresponding amplifier module. In this case, the signal interruption device changes to the first operating mode, more precisely before disconnecting the electrical connection for transmitting the HF signal between the HF combiner assembly and the corresponding amplifier module at the input connection contacts. In addition or alternatively, the corresponding signal interruption device is configured to change to the first operating mode in the event of a defect in the amplifier module at the corresponding input connection contacts. In addition or alternatively, the signal interruption device is configured to change to the first operating mode when a corresponding control instruction is present.

[0022] In a further development of the HF combiner assembly, the control commands can be transmitted mechanically and / or electrically to the corresponding signal interruption devices.

[0023] In an extended solution of the HF combiner assembly, the corresponding signal path includes signal connection contacts for hot-pluggably connecting the corresponding amplifier module. The corresponding signal connection contacts are configured to disconnect the contact between the corresponding signal connection contacts and the amplifier module (in time) when the corresponding amplifier module is pulled out from the HF combiner assembly, and then disconnect the contact between the corresponding input connection contacts and the amplifier module. Thus, the signal interruption device can detect the unplugging operation of the amplifier module in advance. After such detection, the signal interruption device changes to the first operating mode. It is thus ensured that the reflected power and / or reverse loading will not affect the input connection contacts. In principle, it can also be conceivable that such an unplugging operation is also detected by the corresponding amplifier module, wherein the corresponding amplifier module shuts down its at least one power amplifier in such a case. In principle, it can also be realized that the corresponding amplifier module is also configured to shut down its at least one power amplifier in response to the situation where the corresponding signal interruption device changes to the first operating mode.

[0024] In an extended solution of the HF combiner assembly, a locking device is provided for each signal path. The corresponding locking device is configured to engage with the corresponding amplifier module in the second operating mode of the corresponding signal interruption device so that the amplifier module is locked to prevent (accidental) unplugging. The corresponding locking device is also configured to release the corresponding amplifier module in the first operating mode of the corresponding signal interruption device so that the amplifier module can be unplugged from the HF combiner assembly. This avoids the possibility that the user may accidentally unplug the wrong amplifier module, otherwise it may also cause redundancy problems when there is already an amplifier module failure. For this purpose, the locking device preferably includes a locking element, which can directly engage with the corresponding amplifier module (for example, through an electromagnet). In principle, the locking element can also be indirectly engaged with the corresponding amplifier module in the form of: the locking element, for example, prevents the movement of a control rod, which then abuts against the corresponding amplifier module and prevents the unplugging of the amplifier module.

[0025] In one embodiment of the HF combiner assembly, the input connection contacts in the corresponding signal path are coaxial connection contacts, which on the one hand provide an additional shielding effect and on the other hand increase the contact protection of the inner conductor.

[0026] In the extended scheme of HF combiner assembly, the corresponding signal interruption device is configured to short-circuit the corresponding signal conductor with the reference ground in the first operating mode. Thus, it is prevented that there is reflected power and / or reverse loading at the input connection contact. This "short circuit" can be realized by establishing a current connection to the reference ground. Whether to additionally disconnect the corresponding signal conductor is a further extended scheme.

[0027] In an extension of the HF combiner assembly, the signal interruption device is designed to disconnect the signal conductor in the event of a short circuit, so that the input connection contacts are galvanically isolated from the summing point. In this case, the section of the signal conductor coming from the summing point is connected to the reference ground. This section is no longer galvanically connected to the input connection contacts. In principle, it is also conceivable that the input connection contacts can also be additionally connected to the reference ground.

[0028] In the extended solution of the HF combiner assembly, the length of the signal conductor from the short-circuited position to the summing point is:

[0029] where N ≥ 1 and

[0030] In this case, λ is the wavelength of the HF signal output by the corresponding amplifier module. As a result, the HF signal is reflected back in the direction of the summing point.

[0031] In one embodiment of the HF combiner assembly, the respective signal interruption device is designed to disconnect the respective signal conductor in a first operating mode without short-circuiting, so that the input connecting contacts are galvanically isolated from the summing point.

[0032] In the extended solution of the HF combiner assembly, the length of the signal conductor from the disconnected point (without short-circuiting) to the summing point is:

[0033] where N ≥ 1 and

[0034] In this case, λ is the wavelength of the HF signal output by the corresponding amplifier module. As a result, the HF signal is reflected back in the direction of the summing point.

[0035] In principle, mixed operating modes are also conceivable, according to which at least one signal interruption device switches the short circuit and wherein at least one other signal interruption device disconnects the corresponding signal conductor without short circuiting.

[0036] In an extension of the HF combiner assembly, the corresponding signal interruption device comprises an electronically controllable semiconductor switch, in particular a semiconductor switch in the form of at least one PIN diode. This enables very fast switching operations. It is also conceivable to use at least one MOSFET as a semiconductor switch. Preferably, there is a detector device, which is configured to detect a current zero crossing, wherein when a current zero crossing is detected or determined by interpolation, the signal interruption device disconnects the signal conductor so that the power required for switching is as small as possible. Alternatively, the corresponding signal interruption device can also include a mechanical switch.

[0037] In an extension of the HF combiner assembly, the mechanical switch is prestressed by means of a spring device. The prestressed spring device comprises at least one spring, wherein the spring force is dimensioned such that it can trigger the mechanical switch so that the corresponding signal conductor is interrupted and / or a corresponding short circuit is switched for the corresponding signal conductor. The spring device can also comprise two springs, wherein one spring is configured to disconnect the signal conductor and wherein the other spring is configured to switch on a short circuit for a certain section of the signal conductor.

[0038] In a further development of the HF combiner assembly, the corresponding signal interruption device comprises an electric motor or an electromagnet. The mechanical switch can be actuated by an electric motor or an electromagnet (similar to a relay).

[0039] In an extension of the HF combiner assembly, the HF combiner assembly comprises a housing, wherein the respective signal conductors and the respective signal interruption devices are arranged together in the housing. In this case, the structure of the HF combiner assembly is very compact. Alternatively, the HF combiner assembly comprises a plurality of housings, wherein parts of the respective signal conductors together with the summing point are arranged in a common housing, and wherein the respective signal interruption devices are arranged in their own housings respectively. In this case, the HF combiner may be arranged in a single housing, and the respective signal interruption devices are arranged in their own housings respectively.

[0040] In an extension of the HF combiner assembly, the HF combiner assembly preferably has no active components which are arranged in the respective signal path and conduct the HF signal on the respective signal path. Active components are understood to be, for example, power amplifiers and circulators. This ensures that the service life of the HF combiner assembly is maximized, wherein components which may be damaged more quickly during operation are arranged in the respective hot-swappable amplifier modules.

[0041] The HF amplifier assembly according to the invention comprises at least one HF combiner assembly. The HF amplifier assembly further comprises a plurality of amplifier modules. Preferably, the HF amplifier assembly comprises more than 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or more than 9 amplifier modules, whose HF signals are added by a common HF combiner assembly. This means precisely that more than 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or more than 9 amplifier modules are connected at each HF combiner assembly. The amplifier modules are electrically connected to an input connection contact of the HF combiner assembly respectively. Therefore, an amplifier module is connected at each input connection contact. Each amplifier module further comprises at least one power amplifier.

[0042] In one embodiment of the HF amplifier assembly, the corresponding amplifier module comprises a circulator.

[0043] In an extension of the HF amplifier assembly, the circulator of the respective amplifier module is designed to conduct the power flow in the direction of the HF combiner assembly to the respective amplifier module into the load. As a result, reflected power and / or reverse loading is conducted into the load. The load is dimensioned so that it can absorb a multiple of the HF power of the amplifier module. In principle, it is conceivable that the respective amplifier module is designed to detect whether a power above a threshold value is conducted into the load and, if this is the case, to control the signal interruption device by causing the respective signal interruption device to change to the first operating mode.

[0044] In a further development of the HF amplifier assembly, the circulator of the respective amplifier module is arranged after the power amplifier of the respective amplifier module in the direction of signal transmission from the respective amplifier module to the HF combiner assembly. This ensures that the reflected power and / or reverse loading is conducted from the circulator to the load and that the reflected power and / or reverse loading does not damage the power amplifier.

[0045] In the extended solution of the HF amplifier assembly, all the connections of the corresponding amplifier module are arranged on the side of the amplifier module facing the HF combiner assembly. Here, this side is especially the rear side of the amplifier module. One of these connections is preferably a connection connected to the input connection contacts. In addition, one of these connections is preferably a connection connected to the corresponding signal connection contacts (if signal connection contacts are provided on the HF combiner assembly). In principle, the connection for cooling water supply / discharge can also be arranged in this way.

[0046] In an extended solution of the HF amplifier assembly, an electric motor or an electromagnet is provided for the corresponding signal interruption device. The electric motor or the electromagnet is arranged in the direction of the HF combiner assembly or in the corresponding amplifier module. The electric motor or the electromagnet is configured to connect the short circuit and / or disconnect the corresponding signal conductor. Since the service life of the electric motor or the electromagnet is longer than the service life of the amplifier module, the electric motor or the electromagnet can also be integrated into the HF combiner assembly.

[0047] In an extension of the HF amplifier assembly, the corresponding amplifier module includes an unlocking button. For this purpose, the corresponding signal interruption device is configured to switch to the first operating mode when the unlocking button on the corresponding amplifier module is manipulated. The unlocking button is preferably arranged on the front side, wherein the front side is the side arranged opposite to the rear side where the connection end of the amplifier module is located. In addition, the signal interruption device is preferably configured to switch to the second operating mode when the unlocking button is manipulated again. Preferably, the signal interruption device is configured to change the operating mode whenever the unlocking button is manipulated. In addition or alternatively, when the unlocking button is manipulated, unlocking can also occur so that the corresponding amplifier module can be pulled out of the HF combiner assembly. Therefore, the unlocking button can contact the locking device.

[0048] In a further development of the HF amplifier assembly, the respective amplifier module comprises a control unit, wherein the control unit is designed to monitor the operating mode of the amplifier module. For example, the control unit can be designed to monitor various voltages on a printed circuit board of the respective amplifier module. The control unit is designed to control the respective signal interruption device in the event of a fault in the respective amplifier module being detected, so that the signal interruption device switches to the first operating mode. In a next step, the user can remove the defective amplifier module from the HF combiner assembly and replace it with a functional amplifier module.

[0049] In a further development of the HF amplifier assembly, the control unit of the respective amplifier module is also designed to transmit the detected fault to a superordinate control device. For example, the superordinate control device can be a control station in which the fault is indicated to the user. The user is thus informed of the defect and can replace the defective amplifier module.

[0050] In a further development of the HF amplifier assembly, the respective amplifier module comprises at least one indicator, wherein the indicator is designed to indicate whether a fault is present in the respective amplifier module. This makes it particularly easy for a user to locate a defective amplifier module. The indicator is preferably arranged on the front side of the respective amplifier module and is visible to the user when the respective amplifier module is in the installed state.

[0051] In one embodiment of the HF amplifier assembly, the indicator of the respective amplifier module is a light source, in particular in the form of an LED. Particularly preferably, a defect of an amplifier module is indicated by red light, while a functional amplifier module shows no light or is indicated by green light.

[0052] In an extension of the HF amplifier assembly, the corresponding amplifier module comprises a cooling water connection for supplying and discharging cooling water. In particular, the power amplifier of the corresponding amplifier module is cooled with cooling water. In addition or alternatively, the load to which the reflected power and / or reverse loading is directed can also be cooled. The cooling water connection can be arranged on that side of the amplifier module on which the connection terminal for connecting the amplifier module to the input connection contacts is provided. In this case, this side is the rear side. Alternatively, the cooling water connection can also be arranged on the opposite side (front side), i.e., on the side where, for example, the unlocking button is located. The corresponding amplifier module is preferably connected to the cooling water circuit by a snap-on connection. The cooling water connection is preferably not threaded.

[0053] In an extension of the HF amplifier assembly, the corresponding amplifier module comprises a control rod, wherein the control rod is movably arranged on the corresponding amplifier module. Preferably, the control rod is at least or only axially displaceable. The control rod extends from the corresponding amplifier module toward the HF combiner assembly and can be coupled with the corresponding signal interruption device. In the first position of the control rod, the control rod is decoupled from the corresponding signal interruption device, and the corresponding signal interruption device is configured to adopt the first operating mode in the first position of the control rod. For example, if the control rod is not engaged, the mechanical switch can be triggered by the spring assembly. In this case, the corresponding signal conductor can be connected to a short circuit and / or the corresponding signal conductor can be disconnected. In the second position of the control rod, the control rod is coupled to the corresponding signal interruption device, and the corresponding signal interruption device is configured to adopt the second operating mode in the second position of the control rod. In principle, it can also be conceivable that: when the control rod is in the second position, the signal interruption device adopts the first operating mode; and when the control rod is in the first position, the signal interruption device adopts the second operating mode.

[0054] In a further development of the HF amplifier assembly, the control lever is arranged on the respective amplifier module in such a way that the user can pull it out of the amplifier module to adopt the first position. The control lever is arranged on the respective amplifier module in such a way that the user can insert it into the amplifier module to adopt the second position. This makes it particularly easy to replace the respective amplifier module. The control lever is then (at least partially) pulled out (preferably only with an axial movement) in order to subsequently remove the amplifier module. Subsequently, a new amplifier module is inserted and the control lever is inserted (preferably only with an axial movement), wherein after the insertion the respective signal interruption device switches to the second operating mode.

[0055] The particle accelerator according to the invention comprises at least one HF amplifier assembly as described above. The particle accelerator further comprises at least one HF resonator. The at least one HF amplifier assembly is connected to the at least one HF resonator to transmit the summed HF signal. In the event of failure of a certain amplifier module, the other amplifier modules continue to operate normally. During the operation of the other amplifier modules, the defective amplifier module can be easily pulled out without reflected power and / or reverse loading damaging the input connection contacts and preventing the insertion of a new amplifier module. As a result, the particle accelerator can continue to operate normally. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0056] Different embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same objects have the same reference numerals. In the corresponding figures of the accompanying drawings, it is specifically shown:

[0057] Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3Different embodiments of an HF amplifier assembly are shown, which has an HF combiner assembly and a plurality of amplifier modules;

[0058] Figure 4 A rack system is shown, which includes a plurality of HF amplifier modules;

[0059] Figure 5 An embodiment of an amplifier module is shown;

[0060] Fig. 6A , Figure 6B An embodiment of a signal interruption device is shown, which disconnects the signal conductor without shorting when the amplifier module is unplugged;

[0061] Fig. 7A , Figure 7B , Figure 7C Another embodiment of a signal interruption device is shown, which disconnects the signal path and switches the short circuit when the amplifier module is unplugged;

[0062] Figure 8 An embodiment of an HF amplifier assembly is shown, wherein an HF combiner, a signal interruption device and an amplifier module are shown, all arranged in different housings; and

[0063] Fig. 9 An exemplary embodiment of a particle accelerator having a plurality of HF amplifier components is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0064] Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 An HF amplifier assembly 1 is shown. The HF amplifier assembly 1 comprises at least one HF combiner assembly 2 and a plurality of amplifier modules 3. In this embodiment, the HF amplifier assembly 1 comprises seven amplifier modules 3. There may also be fewer or more amplifier modules 3. For example, the HF amplifier assembly 1 may comprise two, three, four, five, six, seven or more than seven amplifier modules 3. Each amplifier module 3 preferably comprises at least one power amplifier 4. Further preferably, each amplifier module 3 comprises one or more of the following elements: an input amplifier 5, a phase shifter 6, an adjustable attenuation device 7, an intermediate amplifier 8, a directional coupler 9 and a circulator 10.

[0065] Preferably, the input signal to be amplified is fed to the input amplifier 5 of the corresponding amplifier module 3. The output of the input amplifier 5 is connected to a phase shifter 6. The task of the phase shifter 6 is to ensure that the corresponding amplifier module 3 outputs corresponding HF signals with the same phase. The output of the phase shifter 6 can be connected to an adjustable attenuation device 7. The adjustable attenuation device 7 includes one or more attenuators. The adjustable attenuation device 7 is configured to ensure that the HF signal has or maintains a specific level. The output of the adjustable attenuation device 7 is connected to an intermediate amplifier 8. The output of the intermediate amplifier 8 is connected to the power amplifier 4. The output of the power amplifier 4 is connected to a directional coupler 9. The output of the directional coupler 9 is connected to a circulator 10. The first output of the circulator 10 is connected to a load (not shown). The second output of the circulator 10 is connected to the HF output 11 of the amplifier module 3.

[0066] The circulator 10 is designed to discharge the power flow from the HF combiner assembly 2 to the respective amplifier module 3 to a load.

[0067] The circulator 10 is arranged downstream of the power amplifier 4 in the direction of signal transmission from the respective amplifier module 3 to the HF combiner assembly 2 .

[0068] The corresponding amplifier module 3 also includes a control unit 12. The control unit 12 is designed to adjust the phase shifter 6 and the adjustable attenuation device 7. By adjusting the adjustable attenuation device 7, the power amplifier 4 can be operated in particular with a constant gain and in particular in a linear range. The same can also apply to the input amplifier 5 and the intermediate amplifier 8. In principle, the control unit 12 can also adjust the power amplifier 4, the input amplifier 5 and the intermediate amplifier 8.

[0069] Preferably, the control unit 12 is also configured to be connected to a superior dispatch center (not shown). This can be achieved through a bus system 13. The control unit 12 of the corresponding amplifier module 3 can transmit corresponding information (such as status information) about the amplifier module 3 to the superior dispatch center, or receive and execute control instructions from the superior dispatch center.

[0070] The corresponding amplifier modules 3 can also communicate with each other via the bus system 13. In the event that a control unit 12 detects a defect and shuts down the power amplifier 4, this information can be fed directly or indirectly (for example, via a higher-level control center) to other amplifier modules 3. In this case, the other amplifier modules 3 are designed to increase their output power so that the HF amplifier assembly 1 continues to provide the same amount of HF power.

[0071] The respective amplifier module 3 also comprises a power supply device 14. The power supply device 14 is connected to a voltage supply 15 and is designed to supply voltage to the individual components of the amplifier module 3. This is achieved via a voltage supply connection 28. The voltage supply 15 itself is preferably provided by a power supply (not shown) implemented in a redundant manner.

[0072] Preferably, all amplifier modules 3 are constructed identically and are further preferably connected to the same voltage supply 15 .

[0073] The respective amplifier module 3 preferably comprises a cooling water connection 16, via which cooling water can be fed to and discharged from the respective amplifier module 3. By means of the cooling water, in particular the power amplifier 4, the adjustable attenuation device 7 and a load (not shown) connected to the circulator 10 can be cooled.

[0074] The HF amplifier assembly 1 further comprises an HF splitter 17. The HF splitter 17 comprises an input connection to which the HF signal to be amplified is fed. Preferably, the HF signal has exactly a single frequency. The HF signal to be amplified is provided at a plurality of outputs. Preferably, the HF splitter 17 comprises as many outputs as amplifier modules 3. An amplifier module 3 is connected to each output of the HF splitter 17. The HF splitter 17 is preferably constructed using printed circuit board technology.

[0075] The respective amplifier module 3 is connected via its respective HF output 11 to the HF combiner assembly 2. Via this connection, the respective amplified HF signal can be transmitted from the respective amplifier module 3 to the HF combiner assembly 2.

[0076] The HF combiner assembly 2 comprises a plurality of signal paths 20. Each signal path 20 comprises a signal conductor 21 for transmitting HF signals. The signal conductor 21 can also be designed as a hollow conductor. Each signal path 20 also comprises an input connection contact 22 for hot-pluggably connecting the corresponding amplifier module 3. Each signal path 20 also comprises a signal interruption device 23. The corresponding amplifier module 3 is connected to the corresponding input connection contact 22 via its corresponding HF output terminal 11.

[0077] The signal conductors 21 of the plurality of signal paths 20 extend from their respective input connection contacts 22 to a summing point 24 where they are electrically connected.

[0078] A load can be connected to the output connection contact 25 electrically connected to the summing point 24. The HF signals of the respective signal conductors 21 are output to the load in an additive manner.

[0079] The respective signal interruption device 23 is configured to operate in a first operating mode and in a second operating mode. The respective signal interruption device 23 is configured to interrupt the power flow on the respective signal conductor 21 from the summing point 24 toward the respective input connection contact 22 in the first operating mode. The respective signal interruption device 23 is configured to allow the power flow between the respective input connection contact 22 and the summing point 24 in the second operating mode.

[0080] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment, the corresponding signal interruption device 23 is configured to switch to the first operating mode or the second operating mode by electrical means. In this case, the electrical means is a control signal, which is Figure 1 The control signal is generated by the corresponding amplifier module 3 and transmitted to the corresponding signal interruption device 23. Preferably, the control signal is generated by the control unit 12 of the corresponding amplifier module 3. Figure 1 In FIG. 1 , the connection for transmitting the control signal between the corresponding amplifier module 3 and the corresponding signal interruption device 23 is shown by a dashed line. In principle, the control signal can also be generated by a higher-level control unit, for example, which is integrated in a control center.

[0081] Preferably, the control unit 12 of the respective amplifier module 3 is designed to monitor the operating mode of the amplifier module 3. The control unit 12 is then designed to control the respective signal interruption device 23 in order to switch it into the first operating mode when a fault in the respective amplifier module 3 is detected. In this case, the power flow from the summing point 24 to the respective input connection contact 22 on the respective signal conductor 21 is interrupted. Subsequently, the respective amplifier module 23 can thus be safely removed from the HF combiner assembly 2. The input connection contact 22 is not damaged.

[0082] A corresponding signal interruption device 23 can include an electronically controllable semiconductor switch, in particular in the form of at least one PIN diode.

[0083] In principle, the corresponding signal interruption device 23 can also include a mechanical switch, which is especially operated by an electric motor or an electromagnet. The electric motor or the electromagnet can be controlled by a control signal. The electric motor or the electromagnet can be arranged in the HF combiner component 2. They can also be arranged in the corresponding amplifier module 3. Preferably, for each signal interruption device 23, there is a separate electric motor or a separate electromagnet.

[0084] The HF combiner assembly 2 comprises a housing, wherein the signal conductor 21 and the signal interruption device 23 are arranged together in the housing. The housing is preferably made of metal or a metal alloy, or comprises such a metal alloy. As a result, the generated heat can be effectively discharged.

[0085] Preferably, the signal path 20 is free of circulators and power amplifiers.

[0086] Preferably, all connections of the respective amplifier module 3 are arranged on the rear side of the amplifier module 3, wherein the rear side of the respective amplifier module 3 in the installed state points towards the HF combiner assembly 2. These connections are in particular the HF outputs 11. Preferably, these connections are also the voltage supply connections 28 of the amplifier module 3 and the data connections 29 to the bus system 13. In principle, the cooling water connection 16 can also be arranged on the rear side.

[0087] Preferably, the corresponding signal interruption device 23 is configured to detect the unplugging operation of the corresponding amplifier module 3 and change to the first operating mode, and then disconnect the electrical connection between the HF combiner assembly 2 and the corresponding amplifier module 3 at the input connection contact 22 for transmitting HF signals.

[0088] For this purpose, the respective signal path 20 preferably comprises signal connection contacts which are designed to first release the contact between the respective HF output 11 and the respective input connection contacts 22 via which the HF signal is transmitted when the respective amplifier module 3 is removed from the HF combiner assembly 2.

[0089] The corresponding signal interruption device 23 can also be designed to change to the first operating mode in the event of a defect in the amplifier module 3 .

[0090] In principle, the corresponding signal interruption device 23 can also be designed to change to the first operating mode when a corresponding control command is present, for example generated by a control center.

[0091] Different from Figure 1 HF combiner component 2 in Figure 2 In the HF combiner assembly 2 shown, the corresponding signal interruption device 23 is configured to be switched into the first operating mode or the second operating mode by mechanical means. In this case, the mechanical means is a control rod 26. When the amplifier module 3 is connected, the control rod 26 can make contact or break contact with the corresponding signal interruption device 23, so that the corresponding signal interruption device 23 changes the operating mode.

[0092] The control rod 26 is movably arranged on the corresponding amplifier module 3. The control rod 26 extends from the corresponding amplifier module 3 toward the HF combiner assembly 2 and can be coupled with the corresponding signal interruption device 23. In the first position of the control rod 26, the control rod is decoupled from the corresponding signal interruption device 23, and the corresponding signal interruption device 23 is configured to adopt a first operating mode in the first position of the control rod 26. In the second position of the control rod 26, the control rod 26 is coupled with the corresponding signal interruption device 23, and the corresponding signal interruption device 23 is configured to adopt a second operating mode in the second position of the control rod 26.

[0093] The lever 26 is arranged on the respective amplifier module 3 so that the user can pull it out of the amplifier module 3 to adopt the first position. Conversely, the lever 26 is arranged on the respective amplifier module 3 so that the user can insert it into the amplifier module 3 to adopt the second position.

[0094] refer to Figure 3 As shown, the HF combiner assembly 2 comprises a plurality of housings. Portions of the individual signal conductors 21 together with the summing point 24 are arranged in a common housing. On the other hand, the corresponding signal interruption devices 23 are arranged in their own housings for this purpose. In particular, the HF combiner 27 of the HF combiner assembly 2 is placed in its own housing, while the corresponding signal interruption devices 23 are (respectively) arranged in separate housings. The input connection contacts 22 are arranged in the housing of the signal interruption device 23. The HF combiner 27 can be a hollow conductor combiner or a cavity combiner, wherein the hollow conductor combiner or the cavity combiner is preferably an aluminum die casting and / or an aluminum milling part.

[0095] Figure 4 A rack system 30 is shown, which comprises a plurality of HF amplifier assemblies 1. In this case, each HF amplifier assembly 1 comprises seven amplifier modules 3. The respective amplifier module 3 comprises a handle 31, by means of which the amplifier module can be pulled out of the rack system 30. In this embodiment, the cooling water connection 16 is arranged on the front side of the respective amplifier module 3. The individual HF amplifier assemblies 1 are arranged one above the other in the rack system 30, wherein in this embodiment, a corresponding cooling water distributor 32 is arranged between two HF amplifier assemblies 1.

[0096] Figure 5 An embodiment of an amplifier module 3 is shown. The handle 31, the control lever 26 and the HF output 11, the voltage supply connection 28 and the data connection 29 are shown. The HF output 11, the voltage supply connection 28 and the data connection 29 are arranged on the rear side of the amplifier module 3. The cooling water connection 16 is not shown in this embodiment.

[0097] The respective amplifier module 3 preferably comprises an indicator 33. The indicator 33 is designed to indicate whether a fault is present in the respective amplifier module 3. The indicator 33 of the respective amplifier module 3 is preferably a (monochromatic or multi-color) light source, in particular in the form of an LED. If the respective amplifier module 3 is defective, this information can be visually displayed to the user via the indicator 33. It is also possible to visually display the current operating mode of the signal interruption device 23 to the user.

[0098] In principle, it is also conceivable that the respective amplifier module 3 comprises an unlocking button. For this purpose, the respective signal interruption device 23 may then be designed to switch to the first operating mode when the unlocking button on the respective amplifier module 3 is actuated.

[0099] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B An embodiment of an HF combiner assembly 2 is shown, in which a possible mode of operation of a signal interruption device 23 is shown. In this case, the signal interruption device 23 is designed to disconnect the signal conductor 21 without short-circuiting when the corresponding amplifier module 3 is pulled out. In this case, the input connection contacts 22 are galvanically isolated from the summing point 24. The length of the signal conductor 21 from the disconnected point to the summing point 24 is:

[0100] where N ≥ 1 and

[0101] In this case, λ is the wavelength of the HF signal output by the corresponding amplifier module 3 .

[0102] In this case, the disconnection is achieved by a mechanical switch. The mechanical switch is prestressed by a spring device 34. The spring device 34 comprises at least one spring. As soon as the control rod 26 is disengaged from the signal interruption device 23, the spring device 34 operates the mechanical switch so that the signal conductor 21 is disconnected without short-circuiting.

[0103] Fig. 7A , Figure 7B and Figure 7C A further embodiment of an HF combiner assembly 2 is shown, in which a possible mode of operation of a signal interruption device 23 is shown. In this case, the signal interruption device 23 is designed to disconnect and short-circuit the signal conductor 21 when the corresponding amplifier module 3 is unplugged. In this case, the input connection contacts 22 are galvanically isolated from the summing point 24. The length of the signal conductor 21 from the short-circuited point to the summing point 24 is:

[0104] where N ≥ 1 and

[0105] In this case, λ is the wavelength of the HF signal output by the corresponding amplifier module 3 .

[0106] In this case, the disconnection is achieved by a mechanical switch. The mechanical switch is pre-tensioned by a spring device 34. The spring device 34 comprises at least one spring. As soon as the control rod 26 is disengaged from the signal interruption device 23, the spring device 34 operates the mechanical switch so that the signal conductor 21 is disconnected. At the same time, contact with the reference ground occurs, which causes the section of the signal conductor 21 extending from the summing point 24 to the disconnected location to short-circuit.

[0107] In principle, it is also conceivable that the mechanical switch and therefore the signal interruption device 23 is designed to galvanically connect the reference ground to the respective signal conductor 21 without disconnecting the respective signal conductor 21 .

[0108] Instead of the spring device 34 , it is also possible to use an electric motor or an electromagnet, wherein the control rod 26 is then preferably replaced by a control signal.

[0109] Figure 8 A further embodiment of an HF amplifier assembly 1 is shown, which comprises an HF combiner assembly 2 and an amplifier module 3. The HF combiner assembly 2 comprises an HF combiner 27 and a signal interruption device 23. Figure 8 An embodiment corresponds, for example, to Figure 3 Embodiment, wherein, HF combiner 27 and corresponding signal interruption device 23 are arranged in different housings. By axial displacement of control rod 26, signal interruption device 23 is switched into the first operating mode. In this case, amplifier module 3 can be pulled out.

[0110] Preferably, the respective amplifier module 3 is only fastened to the housing in which the respective signal interruption device 23 is located. The respective amplifier module 3 is preferably not fastened in the housing of the HF combiner 27. In addition, the voltage supply connection terminal 28 and / or the data connection terminal 29 of the respective amplifier module 3 can be connected to the corresponding connection terminals in the housing of the respective signal interruption device 23. However, preferably, the HF amplifier assembly 1 comprises a back plate (not shown) which comprises these corresponding connection terminals. In this case, the HF output terminal 11 of the respective amplifier module 3 is connected to the input connection contact 22 on the housing of the respective signal interruption device 23, while the voltage supply connection terminal 28 and / or the data connection terminal 29 are connected to the back plate extending outside the housing of the respective signal interruption device 23.

[0111] Fig. 9An embodiment of a particle accelerator 40 is shown, which has a plurality of HF amplifier assemblies 1 arranged in a rack system 30. The particle accelerator 40 comprises a plurality of HF resonators 41. The individual HF resonators 41 are preferably connected to the output connection contacts 25 of the HF amplifier assemblies 1, respectively. The HF resonators 41 represent loads connected to the respective HF amplifier assemblies 1. If a certain amplifier module 3 fails, the other amplifier modules 3 in the HF amplifier assemblies 1 can continue to supply energy to the respective HF resonators 41.

[0112] The invention is not limited to the described embodiments. Within the scope of the invention, all described and / or illustrated features can be combined in any desired manner.

Claims

1. An HF combiner assembly (2) for an HF amplifier assembly (1) of a particle accelerator (40), the HF combiner assembly having the following characteristics: - a plurality of signal paths (20), wherein each signal path (20) comprises: a) a signal conductor (21) for transmitting HF signals; b) input connection contacts (22) for hot-pluggably connecting an amplifier module (3); and c) a signal interruption device (23); - the signal conductors (21) of the plurality of signal paths (20) extend from their respective input connection contacts (22) to a summing point (24), the signal conductors of the plurality of signal paths being electrically connected at the summing point; - an output connection contact (25) which is electrically connected to the summing point (24), wherein a load can be connected to the output connection contact (25) and the HF signals on the individual signal conductors (21) can be output to the load in an additive manner; - a corresponding signal interruption device (23) is designed to operate in a first operating mode and in a second operating mode; - the respective signal interruption device (23) is designed to interrupt the power flow on the respective signal conductor (21) in the direction from the summing point (24) to the respective input connection contact (22) in the first operating mode; The respective signal interruption device (23) is designed to allow a power flow between the respective input connection contact (22) and the summing point (24) in the second operating mode.

2. The HF combiner assembly (2) according to claim 1, characterized by the following features: - a corresponding signal interruption device (23) is designed to switch into the first operating mode by mechanical means and / or electrical means; and / or a corresponding signal interruption device (23) is designed to switch into the second operating mode by the mechanical means and / or the electrical means, wherein - the mechanical means is in particular a control rod (26) which can make contact or break contact with the corresponding signal interruption device (23) when the amplifier module (3) is connected, so that the corresponding signal interruption device (23) changes the operating mode, and / or The electrical means is in particular a control signal, wherein the corresponding signal interruption device (23) is designed to receive the control signal from the corresponding amplifier module (3) and / or from a higher-level control unit so that the corresponding signal interruption device (23) changes the operating mode.

3. The HF combiner assembly (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the following features: - The corresponding signal interruption device (23) is designed to: a) detecting the unplugging operation of the corresponding amplifier module (3) and changing to the first operating mode, and then disconnecting the electrical connection between the HF combiner component (2) and the corresponding amplifier module (3) at the input connection contact (22) for transmitting the HF signal; and / or b) in the event of a defect in the amplifier module (3) at the corresponding input connecting contact (22), changing to the first operating mode; and / or c) When a corresponding control command is present, changing to the first operating mode.

4. The HF combiner assembly (2) according to claim 3, characterized by the following features: - the respective signal path (20) comprises signal connection contacts for hot-pluggably connecting the respective amplifier module (3); - The corresponding signal connection contacts are configured to first disconnect the contact between the corresponding signal connection contacts and the amplifier module (3) when the corresponding amplifier module (3) is pulled out from the HF combiner component (2), and then disconnect the contact between the corresponding input connection contacts (22) and the amplifier module (3), so that the corresponding signal interruption device (23) detects the removal of the amplifier module (3).

5. HF combiner assembly (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the following features: - a locking device is provided for each signal path (20); - the corresponding locking device is configured to: in a second operating mode of the corresponding signal interruption device (23) engage with the corresponding amplifier module (3) and lock it to prevent it from being pulled out; The respective locking device is designed to release the respective amplifier module (3) in a first operating mode of the respective signal interruption device (23), so that the amplifier module can be removed from the HF coupler assembly (2).

6. HF combiner assembly (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the following features: The respective signal interruption device (23) is designed to short-circuit the respective signal conductor (21) with a reference ground in the first operating mode, wherein the respective signal interruption device (23) is designed in particular to galvanically connect the reference ground to the respective signal conductor (21) without disconnecting the respective signal conductor (21), and / or The signal interruption device (23) is designed in particular to disconnect the signal conductor (21) in the event of a short circuit, so that the input connection contact (22) is galvanically isolated from the summing point (24).

7. The HF combiner assembly (2) according to claim 6, characterized by the following features: - The length of the signal conductor (21) from the short-circuited position to the summing point (24) is: where N ≥ 1 and 8. HF combiner assembly (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the following features: The respective signal interruption device (23) is designed to disconnect the respective signal conductor (21) in the first operating mode without short-circuiting, so that the input connection contact (22) is galvanically isolated from the summing point (24).

9. The HF combiner assembly (2) according to claim 8, characterized by the following features: - The length of the signal conductor (21) from the disconnected portion to the summing point (24) is: where N ≥ 1 and 10. HF combiner assembly (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the following features: - The signal path (21) is free of a circulator (10) and a power amplifier (4).

11. An HF amplifier assembly (1) comprising at least one HF combiner assembly (2) according to one of the preceding claims and a plurality of amplifier modules (3), the HF amplifier assembly having the following features: - the amplifier modules (3) are each electrically connected to an input connection contact (22) of the HF combiner assembly (2); - The amplifier module (3) comprises at least one power amplifier (4).

12. The HF amplifier assembly (1) according to claim 11, characterized by the following features: The respective amplifier modules (3) each comprise a circulator (10).

13. A particle accelerator (40) having at least one HF amplifier assembly (1) according to any one of claims 11 to 12, characterized by the following features: - provided with at least one HF resonator (41); The at least one HF amplifier component (1) is connected to the at least one HF resonator (41) for transmitting the summed HF signal.

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