A distributed heterostructure barrier varactor frequency tripler

Abstract

We present a broad-band nonlinear transmission line (NLTL) frequency multiplier at F-band. The multiplier consists of a finline section periodically loaded with 15 heterostructure barrier varactor (HBV) diodes. Tapered slot antennas are used to couple the fundamental signal from a WR-22 rectangular waveguide to the distributed multiplier as well as radiate the output power into free space. The frequency tripler exhibits 10-dBm peak radiated power at 130.5 GHz with more than 10% 3-dB bandwidth and 7% conversion efficiency. The tripler can be used as an inexpensive broad-band solid-state source for millimeter-wave applications.

Synthesis of a hybrid NLTL frequency doubler: Effects of diodes' parasitic elements

“…A novel theory based on dual-feedback circuit methodology has been proposed to explain why the kink phenomenon of scattering parameter S 22 is seen in larger size 3-terminal FETs and not in smaller size 3-terminal FETs, and why it is much easier to see the kink phenomenon in bipolar transistors rather than in 3-terminal FETs [2][3][4]. In this paper, we further extend the application of this novel theory to 4-terminal MOSFETs.…”

“…Some recent hybrid realizations show very interesting results. A frequency tripler based on Heterostructure Barrier Varactors has been realized in [4]. The tripler exhibits 10-dBm peak radiated power at 130.5 GHz, with more than 10% 3-dB bandwidth and 7% conversion efficiency.…”

Status and Prospects of High-Power Heterostructure Barrier Varactor Frequency Multipliers

“…Nonlinear transmission lines (NLTLs) are an interesting approach for realizing high-bandwidth multipliers and pulse generators. The first HBV NLTL tripler was presented by Hollung et al [22] using 15 discrete diodes, periodically loaded along a finline enclosed in a rectangular waveguide, as shown in Fig. 13.…”

“…In particular, the group at IEMN in Lille demonstrated the first HBV tripler with a conversion efficiency above 10% at 250 GHz [19]. Since 2000, the main achievements have involved integrated HBV circuits, with highpower triplers [20], quintuplers [21], and novel multiplier topologies being developed based on nonlinear transmission lines [22] and large HBV grids [23]. In this review paper, we present a historical overview, the basic concepts, and the current status of HBV multipliers for THz applications.…”

A 14∼23 GHz CMOS MMIC distributed doubler with a 22-dB fundamental rejection

“…Most of the broadband frequency doublers were demonstrated by using GaAs-based FETs (HEMTs) and diodes [1]- [4]. Due to the recent advance in CMOS technologies, CMOS frequency doublers with the output frequency of below 10 GHz were reported [5]- [8].…”