Westinghouse Electric Corporation

James G Oakes

Michael C Driver

Harvey C Nathanson

Joseph C Kotvas

John R Davis

Varley L Wrick

A method of tuning a microwave integrated circuit by trimming desired film-type circuit patterns included therein by a cold-pressure bonding technique is disclosed. More specifically, intercoupled circuit patterns are formed on a semi-insulating substrate with some circuit patterns having impedance characteristics of a desired nominal value. Each circuit pattern may comprise a plurality of conductive paths of malleable metal. Gaps are provided at appropriately chosen places in the conductive paths of predetermined circuit patterns. Selected ones of the gaps of the conductive paths are bridged to adjust the impedance characteristics of the associated predetermined circuit pattern by wiping with a probe the malleable metal of the conductive path at one end of the gap, across the gap to make contact with the malleable metal of the conductive path at the other end of the gap. The method further includes steps for in-situ testing of the integrated circuit by energizing the microwave integrated circuit to effect operation thereof; testing selected parameters of the energized microwave integrated circuit for determining the operational response thereof; and performing the step of bridging selected gaps of the energized microwave integrated circuit with a probe of insulating material to adjust the impedance characteristics thereof to render a desired measure response therefrom as determined by the testing step.

Method for tuning a microwave integrated circuit

A high peak power microwave generator is disclosed in which a plurality of transmission lines are connected to an output wave guide at predetermined intervals along the direction of propagation. Each transmission line is periodically charged, and this electromagnetic energy is released into the wave guide upon the actuation of a light activated silicon switch (LASS) diode connected to the transmission line. The LASS diodes are actuated simultaneously by a laser beam which traverses equal optical paths to each switch. The coincident switching of the transmission lines enables the power in each line to be additive in the wave guide, and much higher output pulses can be obtained. Further, the high speed switching capabilities afforded by the LASS diodes means that the resulting high power can be obtained at a much higher frequency.

Growing community of inventors

Franklin, PA, United States of America

James G Oakes