Beam Tests Using a Wide Band RF System Prototype in the CERN PS Booster

In the framework of the LHC Injectors Upgrade project (LIU) and in view of a complete replacement of the existing CERN PS Booster (PSB) RF systems, a small scale, wide band prototype cavity was installed in 2012 in the machine. Following the encouraging tests done using this limited set up, an almost full scale, RF system prototype has been built and installed in the PSB during the Long Shutdown 1 (LS1). This modular, Finemet® loaded system covers the band 0.5 / 4 MHz corresponding to the h=1 and h=2 frequency ranges. It uses solid-state power stages and includes fast RF feedback for beam loading compensation. New dedicated digital low level electronics have been implemented for all loops required for beam acceleration and interfaces with the general PSB control system. It allows using the new equipment at the fundamental and/or second harmonic of the beam revolution frequency as well as operating it in parallel with the existing RF systems. This paper describes the low level and power sections of the project and reports about the achieved results and experience built up so far.