US3189750A - Parametric frequency converting electron discharge tubes - Google Patents

Parametric frequency converting electron discharge tubes Download PDF

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Publication number
US3189750A
US3189750A US856277A US85627759A US3189750A US 3189750 A US3189750 A US 3189750A US 856277 A US856277 A US 856277A US 85627759 A US85627759 A US 85627759A US 3189750 A US3189750 A US 3189750A
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Prior art keywords
frequency
pump
tube
electrodes
collector
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Expired - Lifetime
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US856277A
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English (en)
Inventor
Dain John
Chalk Graeme Oliver
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Teledyne UK Ltd
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English Electric Valve Co Ltd
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H03—ELECTRONIC CIRCUITRY
    • H03D—DEMODULATION OR TRANSFERENCE OF MODULATION FROM ONE CARRIER TO ANOTHER
    • H03D7/00—Transference of modulation from one carrier to another, e.g. frequency-changing
    • H03D7/20—Transference of modulation from one carrier to another, e.g. frequency-changing by means of transit-time tubes
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01J—ELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS
    • H01J25/00—Transit-time tubes, e.g. klystrons, travelling-wave tubes, magnetrons
    • H01J25/34—Travelling-wave tubes; Tubes in which a travelling wave is simulated at spaced gaps
    • H01J25/49—Tubes using the parametric principle, e.g. for parametric amplification

Definitions

  • This invention relates to frequency converting electron discharge tubes and has for its object to provide improved frequency converting electron discharge tubes of low noise and which will convert an input of one frequency into .an output of .another frequency which may even be zero frequency, i.e. direct current.
  • Tubes in accordance with this invention utilise certain principles which are also utilised in electron beam parametric amplifier tubes.
  • the general nature of the electron beam parametric amplifier will first be described with the aid of FIGS. l and 2 of the accompanying drawings.
  • FIGS. l and 2 of the accompanying drawings For further information with regard to these amplifiers reference may be made to the Proceedings of the Institute of Radio Engineers, vol. 46, pages 1300, 1301 (R. Adler) and pages 1756-1757 (R. Adler, G. Hrbek and G. Wade).
  • FIGURE 1 is a schematic view of a parametric amplifier tube
  • FIGURE 2 is a schematic view of ⁇ a quadrupole pump struct-ure included in the arrangement shown in FIG- URE l;
  • FIGURE 3 is a diagrammatic representation of one frequency converter embodiment in accordance with the invention.
  • FIGURE 4 is a face view of the collector system employed in FIGURE 3;
  • FIGURES 5, 6 and 7 are explanatory figures related to the embodiment of FIGURE 3;
  • FIGURE 8 is a ⁇ diagrammatic representation of a further embodiment of Ithe invention.
  • FIGURE 9 is a face view of the collector electrode system used in the embodiment of FIGURE 8.
  • FIGURES 10 and 11 are explanatory diagrams related to the embodiment of FIGURE 8.
  • an electron beam from an electron gun G is constrained by an axial magnetic field generated by -a coil (not shown) and with its lines of force running parallel to the axis (represented by the chain line), the magnitude of the magnetic field being such that the so-called cyclotron frequency is approximately equal to the frequency of an input signal to be amplified and which 4is applied from a source S1 Ito an input coupler C1 coupled to the beam. ⁇
  • the beam passes to an electron beam collector K through an, output coupler C2 from which amplified output is taken to a receiver or load L.
  • FIGURE 2 is a schematic view, at
  • FIGURE 1 iight .angles to FIGURE 1, showing the quadrupole pump structure.
  • the beam After leaving thepump section the beam passes into the ⁇ output coupler C2 which is similar to the input coupler and whichabsorbs the energy associated with the rotation component of movement of the electrons so that the helical electron paths (more strictly spire-helical paths) decrease in diameter as the electrons proceed towards the collector until finally the path becomes sub-v the output stantially ⁇ axial again when the electrons leave coupler for the collector.
  • the ⁇ output coupler C2 is similar to the input coupler and whichabsorbs the energy associated with the rotation component of movement of the electrons so that the helical electron paths (more strictly spire-helical paths) decrease in diameter as the electrons proceed towards the collector until finally the path becomes sub-v the output stantially ⁇ axial again when the electrons leave coupler for the collector.
  • the known 4tube as above described operates as an amplifier producing from the output coupler lan amplified output signal of the same frequency as that applied to theY input coupler.
  • One of the great .advantages of the prin ciple used in this tube what may be termed the parametric principle-lies in the high degree of noiseless-V ness obtained.
  • the present invention provides a tube using the parametric principle but which will operate as a frequency converter, converting input signals of one frequency into an output of another, different frequency.
  • the converted, output frequency may be zero frequency, i.e. direct current and the expression frequencyconversion and like expressions are used in this specification to include (where the context allows) this special case of zero output frequency.
  • an electron beam discharge tube adapted to utilise the parametric principle for frequency conversion comprises an electron gun, and, in the order stated starting with the gun, an input coupler adapted to be fed with input signals, a so-called pump electrode system adapted to be fed with pump signals at a predetermined frequency, a :collector electrode system consisting of a plurality of separate electrodes so positioned as differently to intercept the rotating beam leav, ing the pump system in dependence upon the momentary diameter of the path of beam rotation, and output means connected ⁇ between separate electrodes of the collector electrode system.
  • a frequency converter comprises an electron beam discharge tube having an electron gun, and, in the order stated starting with the gun, an input coupler, a so-called pump electrode system and a collector system consisting of a plurality of lseparate electrodes so positioned as differently to intercept Y a rotating beam leaving the pump system in dependence upon the momentary diameter of the path of beam rotation; means for applying input high frequency signals of predetermined frequency to the input coupler; means for subjecting the electron beam of the tube to a magnetic field with lines of force parallel to the axial direction of Y the tube and of such magnitude that the so-called cyclotron frequency of the electrons in said eld is approximately equal to the input high frequency; means for applying a pump signal frequency of predetermined value to the pump system; and at least one output circuit connected between separate electrodes of the collector electrode system.
  • the pump electrode system is a quadrupole system and the collector electrode system consists of two electrodes with the output circuit connected between them.
  • the two electrodes of the collector electrode system comprise a disc electrode at right angles to the tube axis and with its centre on said axis and an annular electrode spaced a short distance from and concentrically surrounding the disc electrode.
  • the two electrodes of the collector electrode system are identical segmental electrodes each a little smaller than a semicircle, mounted co-planar with their chord edges parallel and spaced a short distance from one another so that the two electrodes, together with the space between their cho-rd edges, occupy a circular area' centred on the tube axis and at right angles thereto,
  • the diameter of the circular path of rotation of the electron beam leaving the pump system will be constant if the pump frequency is twice the input signal frequency.
  • the pump frequency (fp) is chosen at a value a little different from twice the value of the input signal frequency (fs) and a resonant output circuit resonant to a frequency (f1) given by the expression is connected between the two electrodes of the collector system.
  • 2fsfp1 0 and the output will be direct current so that the output circuit may be resistive or of some other aperiodic form.
  • the pump frequency is chosen equal or approximately equal to twice the input signal frequency and a resonant output circuit resonant either to the frequency Ifs-i-fpl or to the frequency [fsf-fp] (as may be desired) is connected between the electrodes of the collector system.
  • the tube employed in this embodiment differs from the tube shown in FIG. 1 by the omission of the output coupler C2 and the provision in place of the simple collector K of FIG. 1 of a collector system consisting of two concentric electrodes of which the inner one is a disc KD at right angles to and on the axis of the tube, and the outer one is an annulus KA co-planar with the disc KD and concentric therewith and spaced a little distance therefrom.
  • a parallel tuned circuit FP tuned to the pump frequency fp is shown connected across the pump source S2 and a parallel tuned circuit F1 tuned to the output frequency f1 is connected between the electrodes KA and KD of the collector electrode system.
  • FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic representation taken at right angles to the view of FIG. 3 showing the behaviour of the electron beam (presumed to be of circular section) as it leaves the pump system P.
  • the electron beam whose centre is marked by thefcross B and which is represented by the shaded circle, will be rotating about the tube axis represented by the cross O, with an angular velocity 21rfs.
  • the dimension OB will vary due to the pump input with a period 1 T lai-fp! Y
  • Typical individual electron orbits are indicated by the broken line circles IO.
  • the outer circle Z represents the boundary of the area traced out by the beam when the distance OB is constant.
  • FIGURE 6 the collector electrode system is repre sented to a rather larger scale and one-position of the beam incident on that system is represented by the broken line circle with its centre at B, the cross O again representing the axis.
  • the current will divide between the two electrodes KA and KD and the ratio of the currents will depend on the magnitude of OB so that the currents will very periodically with a period T as indicated in FIGURE 7 where the wave of current tothe disc is represented by the line CKD and the wave current to the annulus is represented by the line CKA.
  • FIGURES 8 and 9 ⁇ differs from that of FIGURES 3 and 4 in the use of a collector electrode system of different form.
  • the collector electrodes are alike, each being in the form of a circular segment a little smaller than a semi-circle.
  • the segments are co-planar with their chord edges spaced apart by a short distance and parallel to one another with the said segments having a common centre on the axis of the tube.
  • FIGURE 10 ⁇ On which is also shown, by means of a broken line circle with its centre at B, one position of the rotating electron beam incident on the collector electrode system.
  • the current to the two electrodes will vary as shown in FIGURE 11, the current waveform being in effect that of an amplitude modulated waveform with a carrier fs and a modulation period T.
  • a circuit marked F1 in FIGURES 8 and 10 connected between the two segmental electrodes and Ytuned either to the sum or to the difference of the frequencies fs and fp will respond to the current fluctuations.
  • a frequency converter comprising an electron beam discharge tube having an electron gun, and, in the order stated starting with the gun, an input coupler, a quadd rupole pump electrode system and a collector electrode system consisting of two separate electrodes, said two electrodes comprising a disc electrode at right angles to the tube axis and having its center on said axis and an annular electrode spaced a short distance from and concentrically surrounding the disc electrode so as diierently to intercept a rotating beam leaving the pump system according to the momentary diameter of the path of beam rotation; means for applyig an input signal of frequency fs to the input coupler of the tube, means for applying a pump 1 frequency fp to the quadrupole pump system of the tube, fp being diferent in value from 215; means for subjecting the electron beam of the tube to a magnetic field with lines of it'orce parallel to the axial direction of the tube and of such magnitude that the so-called cyclotron frequency of 15 the electrons in said field is approximately equal to the input high frequency; and
  • ROY LANE Primary Examiner.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Microwave Tubes (AREA)
  • Microwave Amplifiers (AREA)
  • Stabilization Of Oscillater, Synchronisation, Frequency Synthesizers (AREA)
US856277A 1959-04-27 1959-11-30 Parametric frequency converting electron discharge tubes Expired - Lifetime US3189750A (en)

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GB14270/59A GB860058A (en) 1959-04-27 1959-04-27 Improvements in or relating to frequency converting electron discharge tubes

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US3189750A true US3189750A (en) 1965-06-15

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US (1) US3189750A (en))
DE (1) DE1196302B (en))
FR (1) FR1248960A (en))
GB (1) GB860058A (en))
NL (1) NL247526A (en))

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3445748A (en) * 1967-03-16 1969-05-20 Zenith Radio Corp Microwave power rectifiers
US3462636A (en) * 1965-04-15 1969-08-19 Siemens Ag System for the conversion of microwave energy into electric direct current energy utilizing an electron beam tube
US3479577A (en) * 1967-05-19 1969-11-18 Raytheon Co Crossed field microwave rectifier
US3886398A (en) * 1973-08-20 1975-05-27 Varian Associates Electron beam electrical power transmission system
US3886399A (en) * 1973-08-20 1975-05-27 Varian Associates Electron beam electrical power transmission system
US3916246A (en) * 1973-08-20 1975-10-28 Varian Associates Electron beam electrical power transmission system

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2623167A (en) * 1948-05-14 1952-12-23 Hartford Nat Bank & Trust Co Mixing or detector circuit
US2638561A (en) * 1946-10-30 1953-05-12 Rca Corp Cathode-ray oscillator tube
US2726332A (en) * 1952-02-28 1955-12-06 Itt Frequency stabilization systems
US2794936A (en) * 1952-12-24 1957-06-04 Csf Space-charge wave tubes
US2820139A (en) * 1954-11-08 1958-01-14 Zenith Radio Corp Electron beam wave signal frequency converter utilizing beam deflection and beam defocusing

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2638561A (en) * 1946-10-30 1953-05-12 Rca Corp Cathode-ray oscillator tube
US2623167A (en) * 1948-05-14 1952-12-23 Hartford Nat Bank & Trust Co Mixing or detector circuit
US2726332A (en) * 1952-02-28 1955-12-06 Itt Frequency stabilization systems
US2794936A (en) * 1952-12-24 1957-06-04 Csf Space-charge wave tubes
US2820139A (en) * 1954-11-08 1958-01-14 Zenith Radio Corp Electron beam wave signal frequency converter utilizing beam deflection and beam defocusing

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3462636A (en) * 1965-04-15 1969-08-19 Siemens Ag System for the conversion of microwave energy into electric direct current energy utilizing an electron beam tube
US3445748A (en) * 1967-03-16 1969-05-20 Zenith Radio Corp Microwave power rectifiers
US3479577A (en) * 1967-05-19 1969-11-18 Raytheon Co Crossed field microwave rectifier
US3886398A (en) * 1973-08-20 1975-05-27 Varian Associates Electron beam electrical power transmission system
US3886399A (en) * 1973-08-20 1975-05-27 Varian Associates Electron beam electrical power transmission system
US3916246A (en) * 1973-08-20 1975-10-28 Varian Associates Electron beam electrical power transmission system

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Publication number Publication date
NL247526A (en))
FR1248960A (fr) 1960-12-23
GB860058A (en) 1961-02-01
DE1196302B (de) 1965-07-08

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