A Radiation Hardened L-Band Telemetry Transmitter

Abstract

The advent of requirements for nuclear radiation hardened telemetering components is accompanied by numerous technological problems. Future vehicles may impose severe environmental problems on a telemetering transmitter, as well as the need for relatively high r. f. power output. This paper describes the development of a nuclear radiation hardened telemetry transmitter, designed for operation in the 1435-1535 MC/S band at a nominal 100 W average R.F. power. The development phases covered in the paper consist of (1) design and radiation test of three low power transmitter exciters, (2) design and test of three transmitters, including the 100 W power amplifier and circuit modifications as dictated by radiation test, and (3) change in selection of the final R. F. tube. The paper includes a description of the resultant developmental transmitter, some comments on the major radiation effects problems, and some of the considerations in the radiation test of the transmitter. The author concludes with current status remarks.