Our 100kW, 915 MHz microwave circulator exhibits extremely low insertion loss. It operates at 915 MHz by default but can be tuned to specific operating frequencies. Our high-power circulators are nominally optimized for microwave power performance at 100kW forward power. Typically, these units are constructed of Aluminum 6061-T6 and are finished with Chromate per MIL-DTL-5541. Plating for all units is fully RoHS compliant for all of our circulator units.
View 3D CAD Models and standard product data on the Microwave Techniques website.
With a variety of options, including VSWR Adaptive tuning and ARC Detection, our 100kW circulators are far superior to others in the industry. Our fully cast designs eliminate unnecessary flanges and vastly improve VSWR performance of the design. The improvements in VSWR performance aid the in the efficiency and protection of the magnetron tube. It also mitigates any performance degradation due to the tube frequency shift from the nominal specified center frequency.
100kW Microwave Circulator Electrical Specifications
| Frequency: | 915 +/- 5 MHz | +/- 10 MHz |
| Input Power: | 100 kW CW |
| VSWR: | 1.04 |1.10 |
| Isolation: | 28 dB | 20 dB (with matched Water Load Assembly) |
| Insertion Loss: | 0.3 dB (max), 0.15 dB (typical) |
Control and Monitoring Systems
We offer custom control and monitoring systems for our high power 100kW circulators. With options for VSWR Adaptive Tuning (VAT) and ARC Detection, our circulators incorporate state-of-the-art technology to keep your systems protected and running smoothly.
VSWR Adaptive Tuning
The VAT functions as a VSWR adaptive tuner by measuring the forward and reflected power and adjusting the magnetic field of Ferrite’s circulator to continually minimize the circulator input VSWR. Historically these tuning networks optimizing circulator performance have been in existence for many years. These systems made adjustments to the magnetic field based on changes in the temperature of the cooling water passing through the circulator. The primary problem with this approach relates to the time delay between the ferrite heating and changing its intrinsic magnetization and the heat being conducted to the cooling water providing input to the control circuit. During this delay the circulator input VSWR is not optimized and therefore the power source is being subjected to a less than optimal VSWR. A secondary issue is the degree of correction is based on empirically derived data, not performance information from the actual system.
Our VAT eliminates any time delay by utilizing directional couplers to constantly measure the forward and reflected power at the circulator input. The data from these couplers is fed directly to the control unit which adjusts the circulator magnetic field to minimize the input VSWR. This result is a low VSWR at the circulator input irrespective of the input power or load VSWR present at the circulator output. By providing minimal time delay and optimization made using measured electrical performance, the VAT in combination with our leading circulator designs provides users with an energy management tool previously unavailable to them and far superior to previous temperature-based tuning networks. Ferrite will require forward and reflected signals from the Input side of the Circulator.
ARC Detection
Arc detections can be done either as an integrated port on a device such as a Circulator/Isolator or as an independent waveguide component. The standard unit is equipped with a FSMA Arc Detector Port mounted on a quartz pressure window. This port is used for attaching optical fiber which is then run to the control unit. These high sensitivity units respond within a fraction of a second which allows the safe shutdown of systems before arc damage can occur to the source.
When purchased as a separate component they are typically mounted between the output flange of the source and the system. Additionally if a Circulator is used to protect the source an ideal location is on at the output of the Circulator. In this configuration the arc-detector can protect both the Circulator and source form system arcs. These units work on 15-24VDC and provide arc detection triggering via TTL or NO/NC contacts. All units come with a built in test circuit. Arc Detectors are available in waveguide form WR28 through WR2300.
