Multipaction Testing

Multipaction—a portmanteau of "multiple” and “impaction”—is a term that describes an electron avalanche triggered by RF in a vacuum environment. Multipaction is the result of RF signals accelerating free electrons towards the walls of a component, in most cases a waveguide, with enough energy that their impact creates secondary electrons. The electrons multiply rapidly, building and building into what is called an electron avalanche, which in turn causes electrical discharges. Multipaction only occurs in vacuum environments like space because electrons collide with air in most environments, slowing them down and decreasing their potential to release secondary electrons. Satellite components are the most common victims of this phenomenon due to their repeated exposure to high power RF emissions in space.

There are two types of multipaction: single-surface and two-surface.

Single-Surface (Dielectrics)

• Occurs on the dielectric surface of a component.

Two-Surface (Metals)

• The arcing of electrons across a narrow gap between two metallic surfaces.

Difficult to predict and to discover, multipaction can take years to manifest in satellites as either cumulative wear-and-tear from small coronas or as dramatic discharges. Multipaction often occurs in waveguide and coaxial passive components in the transmit signal chain, a subset of devices that includes filters, diplexers, multi-couplers, antennas, and coaxial cables or connectors. Components with thick dielectric coatings and sharp surfaces—being geometrically ideal for electron build-up—are especially vulnerable. The multipactor effect (a common European term for the phenomenon) generates RF noise as the electron count builds, draining output power and increasing the device temperature. Prolonged multipaction increases pressure inside the unit by outgassing the walls or dielectric materials of the device; this creates a perfect storm for gas or corona discharges that can wreak havoc on satellite systems.

For multipaction to occur, there must be an RF source, free electrons and a vacuum, and the following conditions must be met:
 

1. Free electrons are available to start the release of secondary electrons, and the average number of electrons released is greater than one.
2. The mean free path of electrons is much greater than the spacing between opposing surfaces.
3. The time for an electron to travel from surface to surface is equal to an integer multiple of one-half of the RF period.

 

Measuring the Multipaction Threshold

Multipaction testing is divided into two types: global and local testing. Global tests assess the potential for the multipaction in a whole system, offering a positive or negative response as to whether it is present. In a global test, the tester recreates the operating conditions of an entire antenna system and monitors for the following performance changes for indications of multipactor effects:
 

• RF noise levels close to the carrier
• 2^nd and 3^rd harmonic levels
• Output power variations

Local tests are focused on individual components, allowing the test engineer to isolate which components are susceptible. They follow a similar model to global tests, comparing input and output test signals to determine the device’s multipactor threshold point.

Testing reveals the device’s multipactor threshold, the level of RF power that the device can withstand without damaging itself. The multipactor threshold of a device should exceed the operating power by at least 6 dB.

 

Test Setup

The following diagram demonstrates a basic test setup for multipaction testing.


 

Test Equipment

To test for multipaction, test engineers require the following: 1) a means to produce modulated test signals; 2) an amplification device; and 3) the capacity to couple a part of the output signal from the DUT to a signal analyzer.​ The following are devices that fulfill these needs:
 

• Amplifiers:
  • TWT AMETEK/IFI PT86-6KW-TMS (Peak Amp)
  • TWT AMETEK/IFI T8479-800-1200P (CW Amp)
• RF Signal Generator:
  • Keysight E8257D
• Spectrum Analyzers | Signal Analyzers:
  • Keysight N9030A
• Attenuator: 
  • Keysight 8491A 10dB Attenuator or equivalent
  • Keysight 8491A 6dB Attenuator or equivalent
  • Fairview Microwave SA 18N-30 30dB Attenuator or equivalent
• RF Power Meters | RF Power Sensors:
  • Keysight N1922A Power Sensor
  • Keysight N1912A Power Meter
• Data Loggers:
  • Keysight 34970A
  • Astro Med TMX
• Vacuum Chamber:
  • LACO VC-2000 Thermal Vacuum Chamber
• Function Generators:
  • Picotest G5100AGC
• RF Passive Components:
  • Narda 369BNF
• Couplers:
  • DDCC-WR112-50F-30R Crossguide Coupler 

 

Test Procedure

Certain test conditions must be met if multipaction testing is to be performed.
 

1. Test set-up calibrated prior to testing
2. Multipaction standard used to verify the test set-up
3. Power level ramped from 1600 Watts peak, 315 Watts average to 3000 Watts peak, 600 Watts average, in 200 Watts intervals with 5 minutes dwell at each level. 30 minutes dwell at maximum power of 3000 Watts peak, 600 Watts average
4. Forward, reflected and output powers continuously monitored and recorded
5. Third harmonic signals at input and output continuously monitored and recorded
6. Current probes (Pico ammeters) placed at all ports through the vent holes to detect possible anomalies
7. Several thermocouples placed on DUT and base plate to continuously monitor and record the temperature
8. Thermal vacuum chamber pressure continuously monitored
9. Visual inspection after multipaction testing using a microscope

 

Test Parameters

Figure 1 below demonstrates multipaction test parameters. This includes the RF signal waveform, the detection methods and number of units tested.

Parameter	Setting	Notes
Frequency	7.0 GHz
Power	3000 W peak	600 W average
Pulse Width	100 µs, 5% duty factor
Pressure	<1.0e-5 Torr
Temperature	-10 and +23 Deg. C
Electron Source	Cs—137 source	3 sources, 10 µc each
Sample Rate	50 kHz
Detection Methods	Input return loss, through power	Instant change in any two parameters and/or anomaly in Pico ammeters, as recorded on a chart recorder/data logger.
	Input/Output third harmonic
	Current Probes (all ports)
# of Samples Tested	20

*Figure 1: Multipaction test parameters

 Figure 2 demonstrates the Multipaction Test setup with EUT inside a thermal vacuum chamber. In this picture, the positions of thermocouples, current probes, and electron sources can be seen.

*Figure 2: Images of the circulator in the thermal vacuum chamber, including temperature sensors, current probes and Caesium electron sources

Software Tools

Multipaction software tools are used in tandem with EMC test equipment to create 3D simulations, determine breakdown levels, help in RF passive component design, and more. The following are commonly used variants:

Software	Free?	Developer	Functionality
ECSS Multipactor Tool	Yes	Euorpean Space Agency	Takes ESTEC multipactor pre-calculated susceptibility charts for Alodine, Sliver, Gold, Copper and Aluminum, and determines breakdown levels. Not a multipactor simulation tool.
CST Studio Suite	No	Dassault Systemes	RF field simulation software for 3D EM analysis. Results from simluations can be imported into Spark 3D for vacuum breakdown/gas discharge analysis.
Spark3D	No	Dassault Systemes	Multipactor effect simulation tool for determining RF breakdown power level in passive devices like waveguides. CST Studio Suite simulations can be imported into Spark3D for vacuum breakdown/gas discharge analysis.
Fest3D	No	Dassault Systemes	Analyzes complex passive microwave components; offers all capabilities necessary for passive component design.

*Figure 1-2 was data retrieved from Rodriguez, Troy, et al. DESIGN, MANUFACTURE AND TEST TECHNIQUES FOR MULTIPACTOR FREE RF DEVICES. Sierra Microwave Technology, 9 Dec. 2019.