L-band receiver protection using sensitivity time control
Abstract
A dual-gap plasma limiter provides overload protection for an L-band receiver, with integral sensitivity time control (STC). PIN diode stages provide self-limiting when the TR is transmitting and linear driven attenuation STC when the TR is receiving. Overpressured halogen-filled quartz vials absorb temporary overloads, and nitrogen gas outside the vials prevents arcing. A coaxial nuclear ignitor (tritium source; titanium film on steel substrate) assures critical pulse-to-pulse discharge reliability, and allows the receiver protector to function when the radar is shut off, so that no mechanical shutter is needed. The solid-state limiter includes four quarter-wavelength spaced cascade diodes mounted on coaxial stub lines. The PIN diodes feature abrupt doping profiles and low doping density. The frequency response of the STC, linearity of attenuation, high-power performance, and switching delays for the PIN diodes and the linearization/temperature compensation network are examined.
- Publication:
-
Microwave Journal
- Pub Date:
- January 1976
- Bibcode:
- 1976MiJo...19...57R
- Keywords:
-
- Circuit Protection;
- Electronic Control;
- Limiter Circuits;
- Microwave Circuits;
- Reliability Engineering;
- Transmitter Receivers;
- Frequency Response;
- Ignition Systems;
- Insertion Loss;
- Junction Diodes;
- P-I-N Junctions;
- Radio Receivers;
- Sensitivity;
- Ultrahigh Frequencies;
- Electronics and Electrical Engineering