Status and prospects of high power RF tube amplifier devices for high-data-rate communication

Vacuum tube RF amplifiers are used in a wide variety of microwave systems. Their operating frequency ranges from the UHF to the submillimeter-wave (THz) bands. Through continuous development, they remain the technology of choice for high power applications providing high efficiency and wide bandwidth with increased reliability and reduced cost. New emerging systems at the millimeter-wave frequencies will further elevate the importance of tube amplifiers. This paper presents an overview of the current status of this type of amplifiers with the emphasis being on communication applications. Devices to be covered include traveling wave tube amplifiers, microwave power modules and klystrons.