SatNews] This technology is the only method offered to the satellite communications market today that actually extends traveling wave tube (TWT) cathode life.

The Satcom Products group of Communications & Power Industries LLC (CPI) is introducing its patented LifeExtender™ technology at the Satellite 2014 Conference and Exhibition. This technology is the only method offered to the satellite communications market today that actually extends traveling wave tube (TWT) cathode life. LifeExtender technology is currently available in CPI’s new TouchPower™ series of TWTAs and a number of Ka-band outdoor TWTAs.

“Alternative methods of TWT life extension are limited by the fact that they do not optimize the rate of barium evaporation over time,” said John Lazar, director of product development at CPI’s Satcom Division. “CPI’s technology improves upon alternative methods by adjusting the heater voltage over time, resulting in up to 50 percent longer life. Furthermore, since every TWT has a heater, this method can be applied to any TWT, regardless of manufacturer, frequency or output power level. Alternative methods require an adjustable anode, which is only found in certain types of TWTs.”

A companion technology to LifeExtender, named LifePredictor, is also available from CPI. LifePredictor monitors the evolution of the knee of the cathode emission curve over time. By analyzing this, a prediction of remaining TWT life is determined, allowing the user to better plan his or her maintenance schedule.

To learn more about CPI’s new LifeExtender™ and LifePredictor technologies, visit Booth 4016 at the Satellite 2014 Conference and Exhibition; or visit.

 CPI Satcom is a supplier of microwave amplifiers and high power BUCs for both commercial and military satcom uplink applications. The company’s state-of-the-art design and manufacturing utilizes TWT, klystron and solid state technology.