RF multicoupler design techniques to minimize problems of corona, multipaction, and stability

A mathematical expression was derived describing multipacting and corona effects in a coaxial cavity. Both mechanical and electrical design techniques were investigated to minimize the susceptibility of coaxial cavity to corona and multipacting-type breakdown. To assist in the design of a multicoupler free from corona and multipactor breakdown, a flow chart obtained from the derived mathematical expression is included

Consideration for high accuracy radiation efficiency measurements for the Solar Power Satellite (SPS) subarrays

The transmit beam and radiation efficiency for 10 metersquare subarray panels were quantified. Measurement performance potential of far field elevated and ground reflection ranges and near field technique were evaluated. The state-of-the-art of critical components and/or unique facilities required was identified. Relative cost, complexity and performance tradeoffs were performed for techniques capable of achieving accuracy objectives. It is considered that because of the large electrical size of the SPS subarray panels and the requirement for high accuracy measurements, specialized measurement facilities are required. Most critical measurement error sources have been identified for both conventional far field and near field techniques. Although the adopted error budget requires advances in state-of-the-art of microwave instrumentation, the requirements appear feasible based on extrapolation from today's technology. Additional performance and cost tradeoffs need to be completed before the choice of the preferred measurement technique is finalized