Design of a C-Band versatile and low cost oscillator for satellite applications

A C-band bipolar oscillator designed by the method of negative resistance is presented. The output frequency can be simply changed by changing the length of an open stub. It is possible to modify also the sweep frequency versus the controlled voltage by changing a capacitor. Featured by space-qualified and simple assembly, a prototype has been realized and fully characterized in order to evaluate its performance. A good stability versus temperature has been reached. The output power is 10dBm, split between two outputs. The sweep frequency is about 500MHz. The phase noise is -105dBc/Hz@100KHz.