Pulsed load power processor for a satellite altimeter

The paper deals with the problem of designing a power processor for the Seasat-A satellite and with the associated development of new circuits, components, and packaging concepts. Attention is given to the design of a new cathode regulator with a high-frequency response sufficient to control the cathode voltage drop during the load pulse. A grid modulator capable of modulating the grid voltage 350 V in less than 100 nsec is discussed, which made it necessary to design a 12 kV isolating coaxially wound ferrite pulse transformer with excellent pulse characteristics. The package requirement of the grid modulator resulted in a unique can within a can concept. Careful design and testing proved the feasibility of solid encapsulation of the 12kV components. The power processor was tested to be arc protected.