Accurate Software Tool for the Prediction of RF Breakdown in Microwave Transmission Lines
Conference: EuCAP 2009 - 3rd European Conference on Antennas and Propagation
03/23/2009 - 03/27/2009 at Berlin, Germany
Proceedings: EuCAP 2009
Pages: 5Language: englishTyp: PDF
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Authors:
Pérez, F. J.; Quesada, F.; Alvarez, A. (Dpto. de Tecnologías de la Información y Comunicaciones, Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena, Cuartel de Antigones s/n 30202 Cartagena, Spain)
Anza, S.; Vicente, C. (AURORA SOFTWARE AND TESTING, S.L., Polígono La Coma s/n, 46980 Paterna, Spain)
Gimeno, B. (Dpto. de Física Aplicada y Electromagnetismo, Universidad de Valencia, c/ Dr. Moliner, 50, 46100 Valencia, Spain)
Boria, V. (Dpto. de Comunicaciones - ITEAM, Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, Camino de Vera s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain)
Mattes, M.; Mosig, J. R. (Laboratory of Electromagnetics and Acoustics (LEMA), EPFL, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland)
Raboso, D. (European Space Research and Technology Center (ESTEC), ESA, 2200 AG Noordwijk, The Netherlands)
Abstract:
In this paper, we present the outcomes of a specific software designed for the ESTEC project No. AO-5086: New investigations of RF Breakdown in Microwave Transmission Lines. The objective of the project is to develop a software tool capable to predict the Multipactor and Corona breakdown onsets in shielded microstrip devices, paying special attention to elements like connectors, bridges or ribbons. In the first step, the electromagnetic fields of the devices are computed using an efficient implementation of a Volume/ Surface Integral Equation technique. Secondly, the high power breakdown onsets are determined, employing accurate and realistic models for the electron trajectories and the Secondary Electron Emissions. Also, the Corona Discharge breakdown level is computed by means of the numerical solution of the free electron density continuity equation.