Development path of a Ka-Band Extended Interaction Klystron for space-borne interferometer

An Extended Interaction Klystron (EIK) design has been developed to the support extreme signal stability requirements of space-borne interferometric applications. This is an unprecedented set of requirements for an EIK. In conjunction with the Canadian Space Agency (ASC/CSA)and Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Communications and Power Industries, Canada (CPI) advanced this development through testing of a heritage design EIK, testing a dedicated Demonstration Model EIK and an Engineering Model EIK. Each step of testing provided guidance in the development of the EIK Design, finally providing confidence in the EIK's ability to support the needs of the interferometric radar.