PAGE CONTENTS
Objectives
For the space market the continuous evolution of the communication segments leads to a trend of using traveling wave tubes (TWTs) with higher frequencies (mainly in the Ka-Band) and increased output power. The high voltage and an increase of dissipated power in the TWT collector raised the questions for new materials with outstanding properties.
Attention was paid to aluminium nitride (AlN) due to its high thermal conductivity and the good electrical insulation.
For Thales it was mandatory to focus on the reliability aspect, as the TWTs are designed for long-term applications and cannot be replaced during their mission. Therefore a reliable material supply, that is stable in quality and quantity on a long term basis, was the most important prerequisite for a fundamental change of the materials, when it is envisioned to be introduced subsequently in a series of tube families.
Challenges
The AlN material implemented in space traveling wave tubes allow to improve the thermal behaviour and margin for future high power tube development.
Plan
The project is divided into two phases. Phase 1 is focused on the stability/reliability of AlN material properties and the availability of such AlN on the market, closed by a Baseline Design Review (BDR).
Phase 2, which will be finalized by a Final Review (FR), the collaboration with the supplier is the main subject, in order to achieve a longterm securization of the achieved results of Phase 1. Material screening of the first phase will be transformed into material design, matching Thales needs on a longterm basis.
Current Status
The BDR was performed successfully; the outline of phase 2 is under preparation.
