A simple Eulerian analysis of IM3 distortion in helix traveling-wave tubes

A nonlinear Eulerian hydrodynamic analysis for third-order intermodulation (IM3) distortion in a traveling-wave tube (TWT) is proposed. The analysis i s simple, provides closed-form solutions, and is computationally found to b e around an order faster than the conventional Lagrangian hydrodynamic anal ysts. Also, the single-carrier and two-carrier output power spectra of a TW T estimated using this approach show close agreement to those of the Lagran gian. With the inherent simplicity and fastness, it is hoped that the appro ach will be useful as a first-hand design-simulation tool for the microwave tribe community. (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.