The Microwave Power Module: a 'supercomponent' for radar transmitters

The Microwave Power Module (MPM) represents creative blending of concepts and techniques from solid-state and vacuum electronics that results in a 'supercomponent' with performance benefits not attainable from either technology alone. The MPM is suitable for a variety of applications ranging from communications through electronic warfare to where efficiency, wide instantaneous bandwidth, and low noise are required in moderate module powers of several tens to several hundreds of watts (average). This paper presents the MPM concept, describes the MPM program, and presents preliminary conclusions derived from several generic radar system point designs in which the MPM is, at the least, a viable alternative to existing and projected technologies and, at most, represents a point of departure for exciting radar system enhancements.< >