• M.K. Kempkes, M.P.J. Gaudreau, R.A. Phillips, D. Robinson, K. Schrock
  Diversified Technologies, Inc., Bedford, Massachusetts

Diversified Technologies, Inc. (DTI) recently delivered a 500 kW CW, 33 kV solid-state test stand for the evaluation and conditioning of high power tetrodes employed in accelerator and radar systems. The test system consists of DTI-manufactured and commercially-sourced power supplies, a DTI high voltage opening switch, and DTI controls. Combining an opening switch and fast responding power supplies allows the hi-potting and high power burn-in to be consolidated in one test stand. Faulty tubes, which would not operate in a crowbar-equipped modulator, and could not be processed to health on a high potter, can be revived to health with this fast opening switch circuitry. By limiting peak fault current and follow-on-current, the total energy in an arc event is greatly minimized, reducing damage inside the tube. If greater energy (or action) is required for initial tube processing, additional load capacitance downstream of the switch can be added into the circuit for 'spot knocking' purposes. This test stand is capable of operation in pulsed mode as well as CW. This paper will address the design and construction of the test stand and discuss results since its installation.