An efficient Schottky-varactor frequency multiplier at millimeter waves. Part II: Tripler

The multiplication efficiency of millimeter wave triplers was studied. In the case of a commercially available Schottky-varactor, the tripler efficiency versus pump power, bias voltage, and embedding impedances at the fundamental and harmonic frequencies was simulated using a nonlinear analysis program. A scaled model of a waveguide mount was used to experimentally optimize the impedances. For experimental verification a tripler from 33–39 GHz to 99–117 GHz was constructed. The highest efficiency measured was 28% at 107 GHz with 5 mW input power. The highest efficiency obtained with 30 mW input power was 18%.     

An efficient Schottky-varactor frequency multiplier at millimeter waves. Part I: Doubler

The efficiency of millimeter wave doublers with a wide tunable bandwidth was studied. The efficiency depends on the varactor parameters and the embedding impedances seen by the diode at fundamental and harmonic frequencies. Millimeter wave doublers were simulated with a nonlinear analysis program to find optimum embedding impedances for a given diode. Also the sensitivity of the efficiency to various diode and circuit parameters was evaluated. A scaled model was constructed in order to experimentally optimize the impedances. For experimental verification a doubler from 40–58 GHz to 80–116 GHz was constructed. The highest efficiency measured was 45% at 94 GHz with 5 mW input power. The highest efficiency obtained with 20 mW input power was 38%.