The Development of Frequency Tripler Based on Six-Anode Schottky Varactors

Area of Science:

• Electrical Engineering
• Microwave Engineering
• Solid-State Devices

Background:

• Millimeter-wave (mmWave) frequency multipliers are crucial for high-frequency applications.
• Unbalanced frequency triplers often suffer from performance degradation due to junction imbalance.
• Planar Schottky varactors offer nonlinear characteristics suitable for frequency multiplication.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and optimize a millimeter-wave unbalanced frequency tripler.
• To investigate and mitigate the impact of junction imbalance on multiplier performance.
• To enhance the output power and efficiency of the frequency tripler.

Main Methods:

• Hybrid integration of the millimeter-wave module.
• Development of a frequency multiplier circuit model considering diode parameters and impedance matching.
• Analysis of junction imbalance effects on output power.
• Electromagnetic and harmonic balance simulations for circuit analysis.
• Introduction of a cut microstrip stub for performance improvement.

Main Results:

• A frequency multiplier circuit model was established to analyze performance factors.
• The impact of junction imbalance on output power was investigated.
• An improved frequency tripler design incorporated a cut microstrip stub.
• Simulations validated the circuit characteristics.
• The improved tripler achieved a peak output power of 12.6 mW at 277 GHz with 200 mW input power.

Conclusions:

• The improved frequency tripler design effectively mitigated power imbalance issues.
• The addition of a cut microstrip stub significantly enhanced multiplier performance.
• The developed tripler represents a 12% improvement over the basic design, showcasing its potential for mmWave systems.