TUNNEL DIODE GENERATION OF MILLIMETER WAVES.
Abstract
The purpose of this work was to investigate the use of X-band tunnel diodes as low cost, convenient, laboratory oscillators in the low millimeter region (30-40 gigahertz). While experimental diodes have been built which will oscillate at these frequencies, the highest normal frequency range for available commercial diodes is between 8 and 16 GHz. Normal operation of diodes is below the self resonant frequency (fr.) By adding capacitance in parallel with the diode, oscillation can occur above the self resonant frequency. At microwave frequencies, this additional capacitance must be in the form of distributed capacitance. In this effort, distributed capacitance was obtained by mounting the diode in a reduced height waveguide, which tapered on both sides of the diode to normal height RG-97 waveguide. The highest frequency of oscillation obtained with D-4168-D type tunnel diodes used in this effort was 33.1GHz at an approximate power of -40 dbm. The highest power obtained was approximately -24 dbm at 27.9 GHz; The highest voltage tuning range obtained was 325 megahertz from 27.625 GHz to 27.95 GHz. Tunnel diodes operating at these frequency ranges were found to be very susceptible to burnout due to overloading from other sources of RF energy. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1966
- Accession Number
- AD0484512
Entities
People
- Philip A. Bradley
Organizations
- Rome Laboratory