A High-Efficiency Microwave Power Combining System Based on Frequency-Tuning Injection-Locked Magnetrons

Abstract: To increase the power level and energy utilization rate of injection-locked magnetron sources, a dual way 1-kW S-band magnetron microwave power combining system with high combining efficiency was proposed and validated. A waveguide magic-Tee was used to achieve power combining and to provide a pathway for the reference signal. This system utilizes the power-dividing characteristic of a magic-Tee to lock two magnetrons. Frequency tuning is applied to adjust the phase difference between the two magnetrons' signals so as to achieve a high combining efficiency. Experimental results indicate that the microwave power combining efficiency of the proposed system reaches 94.5%. The attenuation of microwave power is caused only by the waveguides and magic-Tee. Our investigation provides a guideline for future high-power microwave combining systems with low losses.