A TUNNEL DIODE OSCILLATOR IN A MICROWAVE STRUCTURE.
Abstract
The major objective of this contract was to investigate the oscillation characteristics of a tunnel diode mounted in a loop detector configuration for possible applications to superheterodyne receivers. A theoretical method is proposed for analyzing a tunnel diode oscillator in a three-dimensional microwave structure. The method is first applied to a tunnel diode oscillator in a rectangular waveguide. Effects of waveguide dimensions and tunnel diode parameters on oscillation frequency and power are calculated. The method is then applied to an open structure where a tunnel diode with a semi-circular loop whisker is mounted on a conducting plane. For this configuration the maximum observed oscillation frequency was 20 GHz which is in good agreement with theory. At least a fourfold reduction of the loop radius and wire diameter would be required to make this device practical in the low millimeter wavelength region. The diodes described herein were also observed to have a life expectancy of a few weeks at the best. Apparently, this is a result of zinc from the whisker diffusing into the gallium-arsenide crystal and is therefore unavoidable.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0814446
Entities
People
- E. Yamashita
- J. R. Baird
Organizations
- University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign