Input coupling device and probe decoupling system for hot plug of solid state power amplifier

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of accelerator equipment technology, providing an input coupling device and a probe decoupling system for online hot-plugging of solid-state power amplifiers. The input coupling device includes a fixing mechanism, a coupling mechanism, and a driving mechanism. The fixing mechanism is configured to be fixed to a power combiner. The coupling mechanism is movably disposed on the fixing mechanism and electrically connected to the output terminal of the power amplifier module. A portion of the coupling mechanism is inserted into the resonant cavity. The driving mechanism is drively connected to the coupling mechanism and is used to drive the coupling mechanism to move relative to the fixing mechanism. The input coupling device of this invention can be disposed on a wide wall surface opposite the output terminal of the resonant cavity, making the placement of the power amplifier module more flexible and convenient. It also enables online adjustment of the coupling degree between the coupling mechanism and the resonant cavity, effectively solving the problem that existing online coupling degree adjustment devices are only applicable to magnetic coupling, and the limited space for setting the magnetic coupling ring restricts the placement of the power amplifier module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of accelerator equipment technology, and more particularly to an input coupling device and a probe decoupling system for hot-plugging solid-state power amplifiers. Background Technology

[0002] Solid-state power source devices are the core components that provide radio frequency (RF) energy to accelerators. They achieve high power output through the parallel connection of multiple final-stage RF power amplifier modules. During long-term operation, these power amplifier modules may fail due to factors such as thermal fatigue.

[0003] In practical applications, when a faulty power amplifier module needs to be hot-swapped, the coupling of the corresponding input port must be adjusted to zero to isolate the radio frequency. Existing technologies primarily use a rotating magnetic coupling ring to change its angle with the magnetic field within the resonant cavity, thus achieving online adjustment of the coupling. However, this method is only applicable to magnetic coupling, and because the magnetic coupling ring needs to be placed on the narrow face of the rectangular resonant cavity, its placement space is limited, restricting the layout of the power amplifier module. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides an input coupling device and a probe decoupling system for online hot-plugging of solid-state power amplifiers, which solves the problem that existing online coupling adjustment devices can only be used for magnetic coupling, and the limited space for setting up magnetic coupling rings restricts the layout of power amplifier modules.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present invention provides an input coupling device for being disposed between a power amplifier module and a power combiner, for feeding the power signal output by the power amplifier module into the resonant cavity of the power combiner, comprising: A fixing mechanism is configured to be fixed to the power combiner; A coupling mechanism is movably disposed on the fixed mechanism, the coupling mechanism is electrically connected to the output terminal of the power amplifier module, and a portion of the coupling mechanism is inserted into the resonant cavity; A driving mechanism, which is connected to the coupling mechanism, is used to drive the coupling mechanism to move relative to the fixed mechanism in order to adjust the length of the part of the coupling mechanism inserted into the resonant cavity.

[0006] According to the input coupling device of the present invention, the coupling mechanism includes: A rotating component is rotatably mounted on the fixed mechanism about a first axis and is connected to the output end of the drive mechanism via a transmission connection. A probe is movably disposed on the rotating assembly along the extension direction of the first axis; the power combiner is provided with an insulating structure corresponding to the position of the probe, and the insulating structure is provided with a threaded hole extending along the extension direction of the first axis, the probe passes through the threaded hole and is threadedly engaged with the threaded hole; The driving mechanism is used to drive the rotating assembly to rotate the probe relative to the fixing mechanism around the first axis, so as to drive the probe to move along the extension direction of the first axis through the cooperation of the probe and the threaded hole.

[0007] According to the input coupling device of the present invention, the rotating assembly includes: The driven gear is connected to the output end of the drive mechanism; An external feed structure is rotatably mounted on the fixed mechanism and connected to the driven gear; An internal feed conductor is connected to the external feed structure; the internal feed conductor is used to electrically connect to the output terminal of the power amplifier module, and the end of the internal feed conductor facing the resonant cavity is provided with a guide hole extending along the extension direction of the first axis, and the probe is movably inserted into the guide hole.

[0008] According to the input coupling device of the present invention, the probe comprises: a first part and a second part connected together; The first part is movably disposed within the guide hole, and the first part is in the shape of a polygonal prism. At least a portion of the structure of the guide hole is adapted to the first part. The second portion extends from the first portion toward the threaded hole on the resonant cavity, extending through the threaded hole into the resonant cavity.

[0009] According to the input coupling device of the present invention, the guide hole has an inwardly protruding limiting structure on its wall; The first portion is located between the limiting structure and the bottom wall of the guide hole.

[0010] According to the input coupling device of the present invention, the external feed structure is provided with an annular slot surrounding the first axis at one end facing the power combiner; The annular slot is used to engage with a plug on the outer wall of the power combiner. There is a gap between the plug and the slot wall of the annular slot, and the gap forms an annular choke groove.

[0011] On the other hand, the present invention also provides a probe decoupling system for hot-plugging solid-state power amplifiers, comprising: The power amplifier module, the power combiner, the output coupler, and the input coupling device described in any one of the above; the power combiner is provided with a resonant cavity; The fixing mechanism is fixedly connected to the power combiner, the coupling mechanism is electrically connected to the output terminal of the power amplifier module, and a portion of the coupling mechanism is inserted into the resonant cavity.

[0012] According to the solid-state power amplifier online hot-swappable probe decoupling system of the present invention, there are multiple input coupling devices, which are arranged in an array, and the coupling mechanism of each input coupling device is connected to the output terminal of the power amplifier module in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0013] According to the solid-state power amplifier online hot-swappable probe decoupling system of the present invention, the power amplifier module includes: The system includes a power divider and two sets of signal output components. The power divider is electrically connected to the two sets of signal output components, and the output terminal of each set of signal output components is electrically connected to the coupling mechanism in a one-to-one correspondence. The power divider is used to receive external input signals and generate two power signals, and transmit the two power signals to the two sets of signal output components in a one-to-one correspondence. The signal output components are used to modulate the power signals and input them to the corresponding coupling mechanism.

[0014] According to the solid-state power amplifier online hot-swappable probe decoupling system of the present invention, both the power combiner and the resonant cavity are rectangular parallelepiped structures. The power combiner has a first edge, a second edge, and a third edge with successively increasing lengths. The input coupling device is located on the end face perpendicular to the first edge, and the output coupler is located on the other end face perpendicular to the first edge.

[0015] The input coupling device of this invention provides support for the coupling mechanism by mounting a fixing mechanism on the power combiner. A portion of the coupling mechanism is inserted into the resonant cavity along the electric field direction to achieve electrical coupling with the coupling mechanism. Simultaneously, the length of the structure inserted into the resonant cavity can be adjusted under the drive of the driving mechanism to adjust the coupling degree between the coupling mechanism and the resonant cavity online. In other words, the input coupling device of this invention can be set on the wide wall surface opposite the output end of the resonant cavity, making the layout of the power amplifier module more flexible and convenient. It also enables online adjustment of the coupling degree between the coupling mechanism and the resonant cavity, effectively solving the problem that existing online coupling degree adjustment devices are only applicable to magnetic coupling, and the limited space for setting the magnetic coupling ring restricts the layout of the power amplifier module. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in this invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a probe decoupling system for inline hot-plugging of a solid-state power amplifier provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the input coupling device (excluding the driving mechanism) provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the connection between the input coupling device (excluding the driving mechanism) and the power combiner provided in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the coupling mechanism (excluding the driven gear) provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the coupling mechanism (excluding the driven gear) provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the input coupling device (excluding the driving mechanism), power combiner, and output coupler provided in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the power amplifier module provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure label: 1. Input coupling device; 11. Fixing mechanism; 12. Coupling mechanism; 121. Rotating assembly; 1211. Driven gear; 1212. External feed structure; 12121. Annular slot; 1213. Internal feed conductor; 12131. Guide hole; 12132. Limiting structure; 122. Probe; 1221. First part; 1222. Second part; 13. Drive mechanism; 2. Power amplifier module; 3. Power combiner; 31. Resonant cavity; 32. Insulation structure; 321. Threaded hole; 33. Plug-in part; 34. First edge; 35. Second edge; 36. Third edge; 4. Output coupler. Detailed Implementation

[0025] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of this invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0026] The following is combined Figures 1-7 The present invention describes an input coupling device and a probe decoupling system for hot-plugging solid-state power amplifiers.

[0027] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the present invention provides an input coupling device 1, which is disposed between a power amplifier module 2 and a power combiner 3 to feed the power signal output by the power amplifier module 2 into the resonant cavity 31 of the power combiner 3. The input coupling device 1 includes: a fixing mechanism 11, a coupling mechanism 12, and a driving mechanism 13; the fixing mechanism 11 is configured to be fixed to the power combiner 3; the coupling mechanism 12 is movably disposed on the fixing mechanism 11, and the coupling mechanism 12 is electrically connected to the output terminal of the power amplifier module 2, and a portion of the structure of the coupling mechanism 12 is inserted into the resonant cavity 31; the driving mechanism 13 is drively connected to the coupling mechanism 12 and is used to drive the coupling mechanism 12 to move relative to the fixing mechanism 11 to adjust the length of the portion of the coupling mechanism 12 inserted into the resonant cavity 31.

[0028] In this embodiment, the fixing mechanism 11 is installed on the power combiner 3 to provide support for the coupling mechanism 12. The coupling mechanism 12 is electrically connected to the output terminal of the power amplifier module 2 so as to receive the power signal output by the power amplifier module 2. At the same time, part of the structure of the coupling mechanism 12 is inserted into the resonant cavity 31. It can be understood that the part of the coupling mechanism 12 inserted into the resonant cavity 31 can feed the power signal into the resonant cavity 31 through electrical coupling so as to perform parallel synthesis of multiple power signals in the resonant cavity 31.

[0029] Understandably, in order to achieve electrical coupling, the coupling mechanism 12 needs to be inserted into the resonant cavity 31 along the direction of the electric field.

[0030] It should be noted that for the commonly used rectangular resonant cavity 31, the output terminal usually needs to be set on the wall of the side with the largest area (hereinafter referred to as the wide wall). The magnetic field inside the resonant cavity 31 is distributed along the wall perpendicular to the wide wall (hereinafter referred to as the narrow wall). If magnetic coupling is used, power coupling is required when the magnetic coupling ring is not parallel to the direction of the magnetic field. Therefore, the magnetic coupling ring can only be set on the narrow wall, and the layout space is limited by the size of the narrow wall.

[0031] In this embodiment, the power coupling with the resonant cavity 31 is achieved by using the coupling mechanism 12 in an electrical coupling manner. The coupling mechanism 12 can be set on the wide wall surface opposite to the resonant cavity 31 and the output end, which provides more space for layout and makes it more convenient to lay out the input coupling device 1 and the corresponding power amplifier module 2.

[0032] Meanwhile, the coupling mechanism 12 can move relative to the fixed mechanism 11 under the drive of the driving mechanism 13, so as to adjust the length of the part of the structure inserted into the resonant cavity 31 by the coupling mechanism 12, thereby realizing the online adjustment of the coupling degree between the coupling mechanism 12 and the resonant cavity 31.

[0033] In practical applications, when the power amplifier module 2 malfunctions, the corresponding drive mechanism 13 can be controlled to drive the corresponding coupling mechanism 12 to move relative to the fixed mechanism 11, so that the length of the part of the coupling mechanism 12 inserted into the resonant cavity 31 is gradually shortened, and the coupling degree between the coupling mechanism 12 and the resonant cavity 31 is gradually reduced to zero. Then the power amplifier module 2 is removed and replaced. After the replacement is completed, the coupling degree between the coupling mechanism 12 and the resonant cavity 31 is restored by the drive mechanism 13.

[0034] The input coupling device 1 of the present invention provides support for the coupling mechanism 12 by mounting the fixing mechanism 11 on the power combiner 3. A portion of the structure of the coupling mechanism 12 is inserted into the resonant cavity 31 along the electric field direction to achieve electrical coupling with the coupling mechanism 12. Simultaneously, the length of the structure inserted into the resonant cavity 31 can be adjusted under the drive of the driving mechanism 13 to adjust the coupling degree between the coupling mechanism 12 and the resonant cavity 31 online. In other words, the input coupling device 1 of the present invention can be set on the wide wall surface of the resonant cavity 31 opposite to the output end, making the layout of the power amplifier module 2 more flexible and convenient. At the same time, it can also realize the online adjustment of the coupling degree between the coupling mechanism 12 and the resonant cavity 31, effectively solving the problem that the online coupling degree adjustment device in the prior art can only be applied to the magnetic coupling method, and the limited space for setting the magnetic coupling ring restricts the layout of the power amplifier module.

[0035] Specifically, in some embodiments, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the coupling mechanism 12 includes a rotating component 121 and a probe 122. The rotating component 121 is rotatably mounted on the fixed mechanism 11 around a first axis and is connected to the output end of the driving mechanism 13. The probe 122 is movably mounted on the rotating component 121 along the extension direction of the first axis. The power combiner 3 has an insulating structure 32 corresponding to the position of the probe 122. The insulating structure 32 has a threaded hole 321 extending along the extension direction of the first axis. The probe 122 passes through the threaded hole 321 and is threadedly engaged with the threaded hole 321. The driving mechanism 13 is used to drive the rotating component 121 to rotate the probe 122 relative to the fixed mechanism 11 around the first axis, so as to drive the probe 122 to move along the extension direction of the first axis through the cooperation of the probe 122 and the threaded hole 321.

[0036] In this embodiment, it is understood that the extension direction of the first axis needs to be consistent with the direction of the electric field within the resonant cavity 31. In this embodiment, a rotating assembly 121 that can rotate around the first axis is provided on the fixing mechanism 11, and a probe 122 that can move along the extension direction of the first axis is provided on the rotating assembly 121. The probe 122 extends into the threaded hole 321 of the insulating structure 32 of the power combiner 3 and passes through the threaded hole 321 into the resonant cavity 31 to achieve electrical coupling with the resonant cavity 31.

[0037] The insulating structure 32 can be made of insulating material, which itself can act as an insulator between the probe 122 and other structures of the power combiner 3 to prevent port current short circuits.

[0038] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, the insulating structure 32 may optionally be a ceramic or polytetrafluoroethylene dielectric ring.

[0039] Meanwhile, the rotating component 121 can rotate relative to the fixed mechanism 11 around the first axis under the drive of the driving mechanism 13, and drive the probe 122 to rotate synchronously while rotating. During this process, the probe 122 also rotates relative to the threaded hole 321. The threaded engagement between the probe 122 and the threaded hole 321 can drive the probe 122 to slide along the extension direction of the first axis while rotating, thereby realizing the adjustment of the length of the part of the structure into which the probe 122 is inserted into the resonant cavity 31, and thus realizing the adjustment of the coupling degree between the probe 122 and the resonant cavity 31.

[0040] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the rotating assembly 121 includes: a driven gear 1211, an external feed structure 1212, and an internal feed conductor 1213.

[0041] Driven gear 1211 is connected to the output end of drive mechanism 13; external feed structure 1212 is rotatably mounted on fixed mechanism 11 and connected to driven gear 1211; internal feed conductor 1213 is connected to external feed structure 1212; internal feed conductor 1213 is used to electrically connect to the output end of power amplifier module 2, and one end of internal feed conductor 1213 facing resonant cavity 31 is provided with guide hole 12131 extending along the extension direction of first axis, and probe 122 is movably inserted into guide hole 12131.

[0042] In this embodiment, the driven gear 1211 can mesh with the transmission gear on the drive mechanism 13 so as to rotate under the drive of the drive mechanism 13. The driven gear 1211 is connected to the external feed structure 1212, and the external feed structure 1212 is connected to the internal feed conductor 1213 so as to drive the internal feed conductor 1213 to rotate through the external feed structure 1212. The internal feed conductor 1213 is connected to the probe 122 through the guide hole 12131 to drive the probe 122 to rotate synchronously. At the same time, the internal feed conductor 1213 can also transmit power signals between the output end of the power amplifier module 2 and the probe 122. The probe 122 can move along the extension direction of the guide hole 12131 (the extension direction of the first axis) to adjust the length of the part of the structure inserted into the resonant cavity 31, thereby realizing the adjustment of the coupling degree between the probe 122 and the resonant cavity 31.

[0043] Optionally, the drive mechanism 13 can be fixedly mounted on the outer wall of the power combiner 3.

[0044] In some specific embodiments, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the external feed structure 1212 has a flange at its end, and the external feed structure 1212 is connected to the driven gear 1211 through the flange. The external feed structure 1212 is generally annular. The internal feed conductor 1213 is generally columnar and is located on the inner side of the annular shape of the external feed structure 1212. The internal feed conductor 1213 and the external feed structure 1212 are fixedly connected by an internal support medium. The internal support medium can be a disk surrounding the internal feed conductor 1213, and the material of the internal support medium is polytetrafluoroethylene or ceramic.

[0045] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the probe 122 includes: a first part 1221 and a second part 1222 connected together; the first part 1221 is movably disposed in the guide hole 12131, the first part 1221 is in the shape of a polygonal prism, and at least a part of the structure of the guide hole 12131 is adapted to the first part 1221; the second part 1222 extends from the first part 1221 toward the threaded hole 321 on the resonant cavity 31, so as to extend through the threaded hole 321 into the resonant cavity 31.

[0046] In this embodiment, the probe 122 is designed as a connected first part 1221 and a second part 1222, wherein the first part 1221 is in the shape of a polygonal prism, and a portion of the cavity of the guide hole 12131 can also be set as the same prism shape as the first part 1221, so that the first part 1221 is placed in the cavity. In this way, when the internal feed conductor 1213 rotates, the first part 1221 can only rotate synchronously with the internal feed conductor 1213 under the constraint of the guide hole 12131. The second part 1222 passes through the threaded hole 321 and is threadedly engaged with the threaded hole 321, so that it rotates with the first part 1221 toward the threaded hole 321, thereby making the entire probe 122 move along the extension direction of the first axis.

[0047] Specifically, the first part 1221 can be a quadrangular prism structure, and the second part 1222 can be cylindrical. The outer peripheral wall of the second part 1222 is provided with threads so as to engage with the threaded hole 321.

[0048] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the guide hole 12131 has an inwardly protruding limiting structure 12132 on its hole wall; the first part 1221 is limited between the limiting structure 12132 and the bottom wall of the guide hole 12131.

[0049] In this embodiment, it can be understood that the cross-sectional area of ​​the first part 1221 perpendicular to the first axis is greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second part 1222 perpendicular to the first axis, so that the first part 1221 and the second part 1222 form a structure similar to a nut and a screw. The hole wall of the guide hole 12131 (usually designed near the hole opening) is provided with an inwardly protruding limiting structure 12132 so that the first part 1221 is limited by the limiting structure 12132 when it moves in the direction of the hole opening, and cannot leave the guide hole 12131 through the hole opening, so as to prevent the probe 122 from completely leaving the guide hole 12131.

[0050] In some embodiments, the length of the probe 122 is not greater than the total depth of the guide hole 12131, so that the probe 122 can be completely housed in the guide hole 12131, and the coupling degree between the coupling mechanism 12 and the resonant cavity 31 is zero.

[0051] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the length of the probe 122 is greater than the total depth of the guide hole 12131, but not greater than the sum of the total depth of the guide hole 12131 and the depth of the threaded hole 321 (i.e. the thickness of the cavity wall of the resonant cavity 31), so that the probe 122 can be completely housed in the threaded hole 321, but will not disengage from the threaded engagement with the threaded hole 321.

[0052] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the external feed structure 1212 has an annular slot 12121 surrounding the first axis at one end facing the power combiner 3; the annular slot 12121 is used to engage with the plug part 33 on the outer wall of the power combiner 3, and there is a gap between the plug part 33 and the groove wall of the annular slot 12121, the gap forming an annular choke groove.

[0053] In this embodiment, an annular slot 12121 is constructed at the end of the external feed structure 1212, and an annular, outwardly protruding insertion part 33 is provided on the power combiner 3 at a position corresponding to the annular slot 12121, so that the insertion part 33 can be inserted into the annular slot 12121. Annular choke grooves are formed between the insertion part 33 and the inner annular groove wall of the annular slot 12121, and between the insertion part 33 and the outer annular groove wall of the annular slot 12121. The annular choke grooves isolate the resonant cavity 31 from the input coupling device 1 on the radio frequency, achieving the cutoff and sealing of microwave energy at the interface, ensuring that the distribution of the field inside the cavity is not affected when adjusting the coupling degree. Specifically, the radial length of the annular choke groove is half the operating wavelength of the electromagnetic wave inside the resonant cavity 31.

[0054] On the other hand, this embodiment also provides a probe decoupling system for hot-swappable solid-state power amplifiers, including: a power amplifier module 2, a power combiner 3, an output coupler 4, and an input coupling device 1 provided in any of the above embodiments; the power combiner 3 is provided with a resonant cavity 31; the fixing mechanism 11 is fixedly connected to the power combiner 3, the coupling mechanism 12 is electrically connected to the output end of the power amplifier module 2, and a part of the structure of the coupling mechanism 12 is inserted into the resonant cavity 31.

[0055] It is understood that by adopting the input coupling device 1 of the above embodiment, the probe decoupling system for hot-swappable solid-state power amplifier in this embodiment also has the advantages of the above input coupling device 1. When the power amplifier module 2 fails, the corresponding input coupling device 1 can be adjusted so that the coupling degree between the input coupling device 1 and the resonant cavity 31 is zero, which facilitates the replacement of the power amplifier module 2. This will not be elaborated further here.

[0056] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 6 As shown, there are multiple input coupling devices 1, which are arranged in an array. The coupling mechanism 12 of the input coupling device 1 is connected to the output terminal of the power amplifier module 2 in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0057] In this embodiment, multiple input coupling devices 1 are arranged in an array to cooperate with the corresponding power amplifier module 2 to form multiple power signals (each input coupling device 1 corresponds to one power signal), which are fed into the resonant cavity 31, combined in parallel within the resonant cavity 31, and finally output through the output coupler 4.

[0058] It is understandable that a single power amplifier module 2 can be configured with a single output terminal to be connected one-to-one with a single input coupling device 1, or it can be configured with multiple output terminals, which can be connected one-to-one with multiple input coupling devices 1.

[0059] In some embodiments, such as Figure 7 As shown, the power amplifier module 2 includes a power divider and two sets of signal output components. The power divider is electrically connected to the two sets of signal output components respectively. The output terminal of each set of signal output components is electrically connected to the coupling mechanism 12 in a one-to-one correspondence. The power divider is used to receive external input signals and generate two power signals, and transmit the two power signals to the two sets of signal output components in a one-to-one correspondence. The signal output components are used to modulate the power signals and input them to the corresponding coupling mechanism 12.

[0060] It is understood that the power divider is used to receive externally input power signals, distribute them, and transmit them to two sets of signal output components respectively. The signal output components may include a signal amplification circuit, a circulator, and an RF connector connected in sequence. Each signal is amplified by the signal amplification circuit and then output. The signal is output through the first port of the circulator and then through the second port to the RF connector. The RF connector is connected to the coupling mechanism 12, and the third port of the circulator is connected to an absorption load.

[0061] In one specific embodiment, the solid-state power amplifier in-line hot-swappable probe decoupling system has eight power amplifier modules 2 and sixteen input coupling devices 1. Each power amplifier module 2 is connected to two input coupling devices 1 via two RF connectors (e.g., ...). Figure 1 and Figure 6 (As shown). Specifically, eight power amplifier modules 2 are evenly spaced horizontally on one side of the power combiner 3. Each power amplifier module 2 is connected to the coupling mechanism 12 of the input coupling device 1 on the outer wall of the power combiner 3 via two coaxial output lines, thereby feeding the module output power into the resonant cavity 31 in a dual-channel manner.

[0062] This dual-output structure allows the power of each power amplifier module 2 to be input into the cavity through two coupled ports, achieving power redundancy distribution. When a power amplifier module 2 fails, the operator can first adjust the coupling degree of the two coupling mechanisms 12 corresponding to that power amplifier module 2 to zero through the drive mechanism 13, isolating the faulty power amplifier module 2, and then safely disconnect its two output lines and remove the power amplifier module 2 for replacement. In the absence of a spare module to replace it, the remaining normally operating modules still maintain power feeding into the cavity through their respective dual ports. Although the total power decreases slightly, the impact on the entire synthesis network is minimized because the two ports of each failed power amplifier module 2 are decoupled. In addition, this invention designs each power amplifier module 2 with two outputs coupled to the resonant cavity 31, with each output carrying approximately half of the RF power. In this way, when the solid-state power source is operating under total reflection conditions, if a power amplifier module 2 fails or has abnormal output reflection, the reflected power borne by a single port is greatly reduced, effectively reducing the risk of absorption load overload and protecting the circulator. The dual-output structure not only improves the system's ability to resist fault reflection and avoids secondary damage to internal components, but also makes the hot-swapping of power amplifier module 2 safer and more reliable.

[0063] In actual operation, each coupling mechanism 12 is equipped with an independent drive mechanism 13 (which can be a servo motor) to achieve automatic online adjustment of the coupling degree. Using the drive mechanism 13, the system can intelligently control the coupling degree of each input port according to the status of the power amplifier module 2: During normal operation, the probes 122 of each coupling mechanism 12 are inserted to a predetermined depth as needed to ensure efficient synthesis and balanced power distribution of the output power of all modules; when the performance of a certain module degrades or excessive reflected power occurs, the control system can gradually reduce the insertion depth of the probes 122 of the corresponding two coupling mechanisms 12 to minimize the impact of reflected power on the cavity and circulator, and issue a maintenance alarm; after determining that the faulty module needs to be replaced, the control system further drives the probes 122 of the relevant coupling mechanism 12 to completely withdraw from the cavity to achieve RF isolation of the faulty port, and then allows engineers to hot-swap the power amplifier module 2. After the new module is inserted, the probe 122 of the corresponding coupling mechanism 12 is inserted to a suitable depth so that the new module is smoothly integrated into the synthesis network. The entire process does not require shutting down the accelerator RF power source, and the other modules continue to work as usual, thereby maximizing the accelerator's operating time.

[0064] Alternatively, in some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 6 As shown, both the power combiner 3 and the resonant cavity 31 are cuboid structures. The power combiner 3 has a first edge 34, a second edge 35 and a third edge 36 with successively increasing lengths. The input coupling device 1 is located on the end face perpendicular to the first edge 34, and the output coupler 4 is located on the other end face perpendicular to the first edge 34.

[0065] In this embodiment, both the power combiner 3 and the resonant cavity 31 are rectangular parallelepiped structures. The input coupling device 1 and the output coupling device 4 are respectively set on the end face (i.e., the wide wall surface) surrounded by two relatively long edges (the second edge 35 and the third edge 36). The area of ​​the end face is large, and the space for the placement of the input coupling device 1 and the power amplifier module 2 that is matched with the input coupling device 1 is also larger, which makes it easier to set up more power amplifier modules 2 and input coupling devices 1.

[0066] It is understandable that, given a fixed output power of the output coupler 4, the more input coupling devices 1 and power amplifier modules 2 there are, the lower the power requirement of the input signal for each power amplifier module 2 and input coupling device 1 will be. When a single power amplifier module 2 fails, the reflected power received by the corresponding module's port will also be reduced, which helps to avoid secondary damage to the internal components of the module.

[0067] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. An input coupling device, disposed between a power amplifier module and a power combiner, for feeding a power signal output from the power amplifier module into the resonant cavity of the power combiner, characterized in that, include: A fixing mechanism is configured to be fixed to the power combiner; A coupling mechanism is movably disposed on the fixed mechanism, the coupling mechanism is electrically connected to the output terminal of the power amplifier module, and a portion of the coupling mechanism is inserted into the resonant cavity; A driving mechanism, which is connected to the coupling mechanism, is used to drive the coupling mechanism to move relative to the fixed mechanism, so as to adjust the length of the part of the structure inserted into the resonant cavity by the coupling mechanism; The coupling mechanism includes: A rotating component is rotatably mounted on the fixed mechanism about a first axis and is connected to the output end of the drive mechanism via a transmission connection. A probe is movably disposed on the rotating assembly along the extension direction of the first axis; the power combiner is provided with an insulating structure corresponding to the position of the probe, and the insulating structure is provided with a threaded hole extending along the extension direction of the first axis, the probe passes through the threaded hole and is threadedly engaged with the threaded hole; The driving mechanism is used to drive the rotating assembly to rotate the probe relative to the fixing mechanism around the first axis, so as to drive the probe to move along the extension direction of the first axis through the cooperation of the probe and the threaded hole.

2. The input coupling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rotating component includes: The driven gear is connected to the output end of the drive mechanism; An external feed structure is rotatably mounted on the fixed mechanism and connected to the driven gear; An internal feed conductor is connected to the external feed structure; the internal feed conductor is used to electrically connect to the output terminal of the power amplifier module, and the end of the internal feed conductor facing the resonant cavity is provided with a guide hole extending along the extension direction of the first axis, and the probe is movably inserted into the guide hole.

3. The input coupling device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The probe includes: a first part and a second part connected together; The first part is movably disposed within the guide hole, and the first part is in the shape of a polygonal prism. At least a portion of the structure of the guide hole is adapted to the first part. The second portion extends from the first portion toward the threaded hole on the resonant cavity, extending through the threaded hole into the resonant cavity.

4. The input coupling device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The guide hole has an inwardly protruding limiting structure on its hole wall; The first portion is located between the limiting structure and the bottom wall of the guide hole.

5. The input coupling device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The external feed structure has an annular slot surrounding the first axis at one end facing the power combiner. The annular slot is used to engage with a plug on the outer wall of the power combiner. There is a gap between the plug and the slot wall of the annular slot, and the gap forms an annular choke groove.

6. A probe decoupling system for inline hot-plugging of a solid-state power amplifier, characterized in that, include: Amplifier module, power combiner, output coupler, and input coupling device as described in any one of claims 1-5; The power combiner is equipped with a resonant cavity. The fixing mechanism is fixedly connected to the power combiner, the coupling mechanism is electrically connected to the output terminal of the power amplifier module, and a portion of the coupling mechanism is inserted into the resonant cavity.

7. The probe decoupling system for inline hot-plugging of a solid-state power amplifier according to claim 6, characterized in that, There are multiple input coupling devices, which are arranged in an array. The coupling mechanism of each input coupling device is connected to the output terminal of the power amplifier module in a one-to-one correspondence.

8. The probe decoupling system for in-line hot-plugging of a solid-state power amplifier according to claim 7, characterized in that, The power amplifier module includes: The system includes a power divider and two sets of signal output components. The power divider is electrically connected to the two sets of signal output components, and the output terminal of each set of signal output components is electrically connected to the coupling mechanism in a one-to-one correspondence. The power divider is used to receive external input signals and generate two power signals, and transmit the two power signals to the two sets of signal output components in a one-to-one correspondence. The signal output components are used to modulate the power signals and input them to the corresponding coupling mechanism.

9. The probe decoupling system for inline hot-plugging of a solid-state power amplifier according to any one of claims 6-8, characterized in that, Both the power combiner and the resonant cavity are rectangular parallelepiped structures. The power combiner has a first edge, a second edge, and a third edge with successively increasing lengths. The input coupling device is located on the end face perpendicular to the first edge, and the output coupler is located on the other end face perpendicular to the first edge.

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