Pulse Modulator Applications

Pulse modulators are essential components in fields such as communications, motor control, radar, and even digital audio. By converting signals into pulses, these modulators improve transmission efficiency and limit noise interference, giving users greater control of power signal outputs. Some pulse modulators can alter numerous signal characteristics, while others function on a single parameter (e.g., pulse position modulation). Multiple switch modules can be combined to accommodate a broad range of pulse modulation applications, including magnetrons, electron guns, and klystrons, as well as custom configurations for specialized functions.

Read on to learn how military, medical, and other key sectors utilize pulse modulators in daily operations and how these specialty systems can meet your requirements.

Industrial Applications

Industrial applications depend on pulsed power generators to control power signal output for any of the following components, processes, and equipment:

Military Applications

Military-grade pulse modulators often use solid-state modulator systems that consist of four main components:

• A power rack
• The modulator cabinet
• The modulator control unit cabinet
• The klystron tank

Some of our modulators, such as our Jord Radar Modulators, rely on four independent 50 kW/3kV power supplies in parallel operation to deliver redundancy to the power train. The power supplies are mounted side-by-side to achieve this functionality. Advanced signal controls help regulate variations in the output duty cycle, working alongside charging power supplies to deliver replicable charging performance from the pulse-to-pulse radar’s beam.

Medical Applications

Specialized high-voltage pulse modulators support key processes in medical settings. For example, radiation therapy and proton therapy use precise medical devices that help fight cancer by sending high-energy radiation to specific areas in the patient’s body, killing cancerous cells while avoiding damage to the healthy tissue around it. These devices depend on clean power supplies to ensure precise, dependable operation.

Imaging is another important process that relies on high-voltage pulse modulators. MRI, CAT, and X-ray machines create powerful magnetic fields to create diagnostic images and shield equipment from disruptive electromagnetic and radiofrequency (RF) signals, enabling smooth operation and more reliable results.

Manufacturing Applications

Manufacturing facilities in many different industries use pulsed power to supply high voltages from lower voltage sources. Doing so reduces power consumption, allowing technicians to more safely store and release high-intensity power supplies. Manufacturing applications that use pulse modulators include:

• Electromagnets. Suitable for containing, directing, and focusing plasma used in plasma torches, semiconductor manufacturing, and additive manufacturing.
• Power supplies. Critical for laser metal cutting and abrasion operations.
• Modulators. Used to decontaminate, sterilize, and purify food- and medical-grade equipment.
• Radar detectors. Used in numerous radar-based detection systems to ensure signal clarity.
• Mass spectrometry equipment. Used to detect and quantify minute substances.

Food Industry Applications

Many food and beverage facilities have electric field (PEF) systems that use targeted pulses to open the cells of fresh produce (known as electroporation). This is a more energy-efficient and precise cutting method compared to pasteurization and HPP processing. It also involves lower temperatures, helping preserve the nutritional content and freshness of food products while effectively inactivating bacteria to increase shelf life.

PEF Advantage Pipe systems with pulsed power technology are also highly effective in processing applications, improving the yield and quality of liquid- and semi-liquid products. They’re compatible with pumping- and non-pumping systems for processing juice, syrup, and mashed foods. This allows manufacturing companies to achieve notable energy savings and consider new product opportunities.

Why Choose Stangenes Industries, Inc.

As a leader in high-voltage pulse modulator design and manufacturing, Stangenes Industries, Inc. has the technology and multi-trade expertise required to fulfill our clients’ exact pulse modulation requirements. Our comprehensive line of custom pulse modulators, transformers, and related electromagnetic devices fulfill even the most sophisticated and demanding signal control functions in diverse applications. We offer solid-state modulators that pulse at just a few kV to over 200 kV and allow for:

• Pulse widths between 200 ns and 5 ms
• Repetition rates of up to several kHz
• Average power ratings up to 150 kW

To learn how Stangenes Industries can meet your application’s pulse modulation requirements, contact us today.