Power supply for a microwave magnetron

Abstract

In a microwave energy generating system, a combination of a magnetron which generates microwave energy and an inverter which converts DC voltage to high frequency AC voltage are employed. The magnetron includes a heater-cathode and an anode. The inverter includes a transformer having a gapped ferrite core, a center tapped primary winding which divides the primary into two portions, and at least a first high voltage secondary winding and a second low voltage secondary winding for the magnetron heater, and means for switching current through each winding half alternately at a periodic high frequency rate, substantially above 60 Hz., to produce a high frequency magnetic field in said ferrite core, and means, including inductor means, are provided for providing DC current into said primary winding at said center tap. High frequency high voltage AC from the first secondary is rectified and coupled to the magnetron and high frequency low voltage AC is coupled from the second secondary to the magnetron heater to enable the magnetron to generate microwave energy. The pulsing/nature of the high voltage applied to the magnetron is believed to avoid 'mismoding' of the magnetron and a need for a separate heater transformer is avoided. In a further aspect of the invention, the DC applied to the primary winding is obtained from an AC source and rectifier combination.