Integrated back to back barrier-N-N/sup +/ varactor diode tripler using a split-waveguide block

The back-to-back barrier-N-N/sup +/ (bbBNN) varactor is a nonlinear device being developed for frequency multiplier applications above 100 GHz. Its symmetrical C-V characteristic, low series resistance, freedom from external bias and suitability to planarization make it an ideal choice for high frequency, low power, odd harmonic generation. In this paper, the performance of a 220-GHz waveguide tripler using, for the first time, a planar GaAs bbBNN device integrated on a quartz microstrip circuit is presented. A new split-waveguide block design has been employed to provide the proper embedding impedances to the device at the input and third harmonic output frequencies. A flange-to flange tripling efficiency of 7% has been obtained at 220 GHz with an output power in excess of 700 /spl mu/W. This is believed to be the highest conversion efficiency yet reported for a tripler with an integrated device at this frequency. Theoretical calculations indicate that substantial improvement is possible with modest changes to the device and circuit parameters. >

[1]  Debabani Choudhury,et al.  A 200 GHz tripler using single barrier varactor , 1992 .

[2]  Antti V. Räisänen,et al.  Frequency multipliers for millimeter and submillimeter wavelengths , 1992, Proc. IEEE.

[3]  Peter H. Siegel,et al.  Design and Analysis of the Channel Waveguide Transformer , 1983 .

[4]  D. Choudhury,et al.  Frequency tripler with integrated back-to-back barrier-n-n/sup +/ (bbBNN) varactor diodes in a novel split-waveguide block at 220 GHz , 1994, 1994 IEEE MTT-S International Microwave Symposium Digest (Cat. No.94CH3389-4).

[5]  D. Choudhury,et al.  Study of the effect of the C/sub max//C/sub min/ ratio on the performance of back-to-back Barrier-N-N (bbBNN) varactor frequency multipliers , 1994, IEEE Microwave and Guided Wave Letters.

[6]  N. R. Erickson.  A High Efficiency Frequency Tripler for 230 GHz , 1982, 1982 12th European Microwave Conference.

[7]  Peter H. Siegel,et al.  The application of the FDTD method to millimeter-wave filter circuits including the design and analysis of a compact coplanar strip filter for THz frequencies , 1994, 1994 IEEE MTT-S International Microwave Symposium Digest (Cat. No.94CH3389-4).

[8]  M. A. Frerking,et al.  Novel heterojunction varactors , 1992, Proc. IEEE.

[9]  Debabani Choudhury,et al.  A new fabrication technique for back-to-back varactor diodes , 1992 .

[10]  P.H. Siegel,et al.  A novel split-waveguide mount design for millimeter- and submillimeter-wave frequency multipliers and harmonic mixers , 1993, IEEE Microwave and Guided Wave Letters.

[11]  Antti V. Räisänen,et al.  Experimental performance of a back-to-back barrier-N-N/sup +/ varactor tripler at 200 GHz , 1994 .

[12]  Thomas W. Crowe,et al.  A micron-thickness, planar Schottky diode chip for terahertz applications with theoretical minimum parasitic capacitance , 1990, IEEE International Digest on Microwave Symposium.

[13]  Peter H. Siegel,et al.  Topics in the optimization of millimeter-wave mixers , 1984 .

[14]  Margaret A. Frerking,et al.  Modeling of planar varactor frequency multiplier devices with blocking barriers , 1992 .

[15]  Neal R. Erickson,et al.  A high-power millimeter-wave frequency doubler using a planar diode array , 1993 .

[16]  Antti V. Räisänen,et al.  Dual-Harmonic Noncontacting Millimeter Waveguide Backshorts: Theory, Design, and Test , 1982 .