Power Conversion

DTI's universal high frequency power converter architecture can be used for a wide range of applications requiring AC-to-DC and DC-to-DC power conversion. The higher control bandwidth provided by high frequency switching allows the output power to be highly regulated into nonlinear and transient loads. This technology can also be applied to variable frequency power converters, such as those needed for synchronous AC motor drives, where high reliability and low acoustic noise emission are of the utmost importance. Scaling this technology to higher voltage (tens of kV) and higher power (MWs) opens entirely new applications such as DC-to-DC converters for high voltage DC undersea networks, power conditioning systems for driving pulsed power systems, and high speed utility switching.  

DTI's high power modulators and power supplies are used world wide in demanding research applications in the U.S. Department of Energy's national laboratories, leading universities, and overseas research facilities. PowerMod™ systems are employed in RF power systems for accelerators and fusion systems, and in power conditioning and test of high power microwave tubes, such as klystrons and gyrotrons, where careful control of voltage, pulse width, and PRF, at very high power (20 MW +) and voltage (100 kV +) is required. In addition, fast-switching DTI systems can replace typical mercury ignitron crowbars by intercepting arcs before damage is done to the VED. The high voltage can be turned back on as soon as the arc clears, with nearly imperceptible interruption.

Hundreds of radar systems in operation today utilize thyratrons, spark gaps, or switch tubes for high pulse repetition frequency pulse modulation. These vacuum tube modulators are expensive to maintain, and their relatively short lifetimes constitute a significant operational expense. DTI has modernized radar transmitters, and built high performance new radar transmitters, across a wide range of applications. DTI's solid state, high voltage switches work as high-power cathode modulators for klystrons, CFAs or magnetrons, and as low-power modulators for tubes that use modulating anodes, grids, or control electrodes. PowerMod™ switches are perfect for retrofits, test sets and new designs. A transmitter upgrade using DTI's modern, solid state technology may be the most cost-effective answer to problems of high failure rates and lengthy repair procedures common to older transmitters. A retrofit may encompass a few components or a complete turn-key transmitter replacement. DTI's high-efficiency modulators are inherently pulse-width agile, and can open in less than a microsecond, often eliminating the need for a conventional crowbar.