RF Power Module With Stacked DC Outputs for Stable THz Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RF power modules face challenges in achieving simultaneous efficiency and power density, especially at high voltages and lower power levels, with traditional electronic power conditioners struggling to maintain stability and efficiency in millimeter wave to terahertz applications.
Innovation Solution
A high frequency switching electronic power conditioner is combined with a millimeter wave to terahertz vacuum electronic device, utilizing a resonant inverter resonant rectifier converter topology and multi-stage depressed collectors to optimize efficiency and power density, with a controller managing DC output voltages to maintain stability and reduce switching losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional electronic power conditioners are used at high voltages, then they can provide stable power output, but efficiency and power density deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional low-frequency electronic power conditioning with high-frequency switching power supply technology operating above 1 MHz. This substitution enables the system to achieve both high efficiency (over 85%) and stable power output at high voltages (up to 30 kV) by utilizing high-frequency switching mechanisms that reduce energy losses while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating frequency parameter from traditional low frequencies to high frequencies above 1 MHz. This parameter change fundamentally improves both efficiency and power density while maintaining power stability, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and energy loss in high-voltage power conditioning.
2Power
If operating frequency is increased above 1 MHz, then power density improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power supply system into multiple independent power converter stages, each operating at high frequency above 1 MHz. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized for high power density while managing complexity through modular design, where each stage can be independently controlled and optimized.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic high-frequency switching control in each power converter stage, enabling adaptive optimization of power density while managing complexity through intelligent control algorithms that adjust switching parameters in real-time based on load conditions.
3Loss of energy
If multi-stage depressed collectors are used in vacuum electronic devices, then energy recovery efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the collector into multiple independent depressed collector stages, each optimized for specific energy recovery functions. This segmentation enables progressive energy recovery from spent electrons at different potential levels, achieving high energy recovery efficiency (up to 99%) while managing complexity through modular stage design that can be independently optimized.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control mechanisms where the high-frequency switching electronic power conditioner monitors and adjusts the potential of each depressed collector stage in real-time, optimizing energy recovery efficiency while managing complexity through intelligent control that adapts to operating conditions.
4Volume of moving object
If high frequency switching is implemented, then compact size is achieved, but switching losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic high-frequency switching action above 1 MHz in each power converter stage, utilizing resonant switching techniques that enable compact component sizes while minimizing switching losses through synchronized switching at optimal points in the AC cycle, reducing energy dissipation during transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the switching frequency parameter to high frequencies above 1 MHz and optimizes switching waveforms to achieve resonant switching conditions. This parameter change enables compact power conditioner size while reducing switching losses through soft-switching techniques that minimize voltage-current overlap during switching transitions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration enables a compact and efficient RF power module with improved power density and stability, achieving high efficiency and reduced size, while maintaining safety and performance in high voltage applications.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a resonant inverter resonant rectifier converter topology
Implementation Method 2
Depressed collectors enable matching of electronic potentials of the spent electrons and as a result 'recovering' their kinetic energy back to the power supply rather than converting the kinetic energy to heat
Implementation Method 3
A high frequency switching electronic power conditioner is combined with a millimeter wave to terahertz vacuum electronic device, utilizing a resonant inverter resonant rectifier converter topology
Data Source
AI summary
A power module comprises a high frequency switching electronic power conditioner including stacked rectifier/filters, the stacked rectifier/filters generating stacked DC output voltages; and a vacuum electronic device coupled to the high frequency switching electronic power conditioner, the vacuum electronic device including components, each component receiving a respective DC output voltage of the stacked DC output voltages.