An MMIC Pulse Generator Using Dual Nonlinear Transmission Lines

Abstract

We present a novel nonlinear transmission line (NLTL) pulse generator using dual-NLTL, true-time-delay, waveform-alignment technique, realized in Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) technology. The diodes in these two NLTLs have opposite polarities in layout. Therefore, they are responsible for sharpening the two signals' rising and falling edges separately. A simple, low-cost, wideband combiner is adopted to combine the two fine aligned waveforms without introducing much distortion to the wideband signal. As a result, a sharp pulse is obtained with both edges compressed. With a sinusoidal signal as the input to the fabricated MMIC, a fall time of around 12 ps and rise time of 14 ps were measured at the output. This MMIC is a candidate for pulse or comb generators in many commercial and military applications.

Nonlinear Waves in Transmission Lines Periodically Loaded with Tunneling Diodes

“…When a pulse is input such that the nonlinearity of the Schottky varactors compensates for dispersion, the line generates multiple solitonic pulses, whose widths are generally smaller than that of the input. By extracting the largest pulse, a Schottky-contacted line operates as a good short pulse generator (Kintis et al, 2008). Moreover, when a step pulse is input such that both the nonlinearity and dispersion sharpen the edge, the edge finally results in a shock, by which a sub-picosecond temporal transient is observed (Rodwell et al, 1994).…”

Modulation of Pulse Train Using Leapfrogging Pulses Developed in Unbalanced Coupled Nonlinear Transmission Lines

“…Originally, NLTLs have been used in ultrafast electronic circuits such as a subpicosecond electrical shock generator and a short-pulse amplifier [8][9][10]. For example, the leapfrogging can be used for the detection of temporal separation between two short pulses inputted to coupled NLTLs.…”

Experimental Observation of Linear and Nonlinear Pulses in Traveling-Wave Field-Effect Transistors Periodically Loaded With Schottky Varactors

“…Carefully designed Schottky varactors are employed in electronic circuits including electrical shock [2] and harmonic wave generators [3,4]. Recently, Kintis et al [5] proposed a NLTL pulse generator using two NLTLs. Yildirim et al [6] proposed a method for generating a periodic, short pulse train using a NLTL connected with an amplifier.…”