Researchers from the School of Information Science and Engineering at Southeast University in Nanjing, China, have developed a new method to improve the stability of S-band magnetron systems. Magnetrons are widely used in various industries as a high-efficiency, large-power, and low-cost microwave source. The research team, led by Dr. S Wang, has proposed a technique that regulates the anode current of magnetrons to enhance their output characteristics.
The researchers have designed a novel active distortion eliminator that utilizes the constant current state of MOSFETs (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors) to suppress the anode current ripple. By reducing the ripple, the method effectively eliminates the magnetron output ripples, leading to a more stable output. In their experiments, the team applied an improved switch-mode power supply to a 1-kW commercial S-band magnetron. They observed a significant reduction in the peak-to-peak anode current ripple from 31 to 7 mA. Additionally, the spectral width of the free-running magnetron decreased from 246 to 87 kHz.
The researchers also investigated the magnetron’s performance in the injection locking state, where an external signal is used to synchronize the magnetron’s output. They found that the spur noise, which are unwanted frequency components, was significantly reduced with a maximum suppression strength of 23 dB at a 100-Hz offset. Furthermore, the peak-to-peak value of the magnetron magnitude and phase jitter were suppressed to 15% and 16% of their original values at a power injection ratio of 0.13.
The proposed method offers a novel approach for stabilizing the output phase of an injection-locked magnetron. This advancement holds promise for various applications in the energy sector, including phased arrays, wireless power transfer, particle accelerators, and large-power communication systems. By enhancing the stability of magnetron systems, the researchers have paved the way for more efficient and reliable microwave sources in these industries.
The research was published in the IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics, a peer-reviewed journal that focuses on the development and application of electrical and electronic systems in industrial and manufacturing environments. The findings of this study contribute to the ongoing efforts to improve the performance and stability of magnetron systems, which are crucial components in various energy-related technologies.
This article is based on research available at arXiv.