Ferrite Microwave Technologies offers unique monitoring and custom control systems for high-power microwave circulators. Through research and development, FMT is always finding new ways to better fit our customers’ needs. We have dedicated teams that work to find solutions where we can improve not only our performance, but the power handling capabilities of our devices. Examples of this include our features for VSWR adaptive tuning and ARC detection.
VSWR Adaptive Tuning & Magnetic Bias Control
For certain applications, we utilize our patented VAT Control System. 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, tuning networks optimizing circulator performance have existed 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. In addition, the heat conducted to the cooling water providing input to the control circuit. During this delay, the circulator input VSWR is not optimized. 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. This 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.
Control Systems: ARC Detection
Arc detections serve either as an integrated port on a device such as a Circulator/Isolator or as an independent waveguide component. The standard unit comes with a FSMA Arc Detector Port mounted on a quartz pressure window. The primary function is attaching optical fiber, which then runs to the control unit. These high sensitivity units respond within a fraction of a second. This allows the safe shutdown of systems before arc damage can occur to the source.
When purchased as a separate component these typically mount between the output flange of the source and the system. Additionally, if a Circulator is protecting the source, an ideal location is on the output of the Circulator. In this configuration, the arc-detector can protect both the Circulator and source from 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 from WR28 through WR2300.
To learn more about Ferrite Microwave Technologies control systems for microwave circulators, please contact our support team. We look forward to learning about your needs, and disscussing our new features for our devices.
