Low-cost, active frequency-doubler MMIC in SMT package for 6-20GHz commercial applications

This paper describes the development of a SMT-packaged 620GHz frequency-doubler MMIC. The frequency-doubler is implemented in a 0.15um GaAs PHEMT process and low-cost SMT package. This MMIC employs a unique differential-pair active balun input stage with waveform-shaping circuit and active load. Balanced common-source FETs are used for 2nd-harmonic generation. The FET-drains are combined at output to achieve odd-order cancellation. This creates a broadband, low input-drive, high conversion efficiency frequency-doubler with decent fundamental & harmonic suppression. At optimum input power of -4dBm, it achieves 11dB conversion gain without amplification stage. Fundamental and 3rd-order suppressions are greater than 20dB across the frequency band. This work has demonstrated the capability to manufacture packaged frequency-doublers for cost-sensitive applications. It consumes 120mW (4V, 30mA) power.

[1]  F. van Raay,et al.  Design and stability test of a 2-40 GHz frequency doubler with active balun , 2000, 2000 IEEE MTT-S International Microwave Symposium Digest (Cat. No.00CH37017).

[2]  E. Camargo.  Design of FET Frequency Multipliers and Harmonic Oscillators , 1998 .

[3]  M. Schefer.  Integrated quadrupler circuit in coplanar technology for 60 GHz wireless applications , 2002, 2002 IEEE MTT-S International Microwave Symposium Digest (Cat. No.02CH37278).

[4]  H. Morkner,et al.  Enhancement mode GaAs PHEMT LNA with linearity control (IP3) and phased matched mitigated bypass switch and differential active mixer , 2003, IEEE MTT-S International Microwave Symposium Digest, 2003.

[5]  L. Raffaelli.  Millimeter-wave transceivers for point-to-point radios , 2000, 13th International Conference on Microwaves, Radar and Wireless Communications. MIKON - 2000. Conference Proceedings (IEEE Cat. No.00EX428).

[6]  J. Bock,et al.  42 GHz active frequency doubler in SiGe bipolar technology , 2002, 2002 3rd International Conference on Microwave and Millimeter Wave Technology, 2002. Proceedings. ICMMT 2002..