CAD oriented design methods of frequency multipliers. Application to a millimeterwave MMIC PHEMT tripler and a microwave HBT doubler

Abstract

Two specific design methods of frequency multipliers are presented. The first one is CAD oriented and based on the "Substitute Generator Technique" using nonlinear device models. The second one is based on a novel time-domain load-pull setup to measure and optimize voltagekurrent waveforms at both ports of frequency multipliers. These complementary design approaches allow to quickly and accurately determine all the optimum operating conditions for any frequency multiplier. The first design methodology is applied to the optimization of a broadband (34.5-39)GHz PHEMT MMIC tripler integrated into a transceiver manufactured at the UMS foundry. In the same way, the time-domain loadpull characterization is applied to the optimization of a S-band HBT doubler.

Evolutive design assistance tool for microwave circuits

“…• DC analysis of intrinsic I-V characteristics in order to better rate the electrical capabilities and to superimpose dynamic load lines derived from the nonlinear simulations; • Coupled DC and AC analysis enabling to display the behavior of each device non-linearity (e.g., input capacitance) as a function of bias voltages; • Linear and nonlinear analyses of the device stability conditions (extrinsic/intrinsic); • Nonlinear 'substitute generator' analysis [6] to efficiently determine the optimum power condi-tions (source and load) at fundamental and harmonics using visual criteria (help file) applied to the dynamic load line; • Multi-tone HB and envelope analyses to determine the optimum power loads ensuring the required trade-off between power, efficiency and linearity within the bandwidth.…”

Low Phase Noise 38 GHz P-HEMT-Based Frequency Tripler

“…[6] was improved, for the design of the circuit, by controlling the loads applied on each harmonic through a specific CAD oriented design method, based on the "Substitute Generator Technique" [3]. This approach has been implemented in a nonlinear harmonic balance software, HP EESOF MDS.…”

“…Their design is still a challenge. At the present time, very few single-stage frequency triplers have been reported [3,4,5,6], and none of them has been characterized in terms of phase noise degradation.…”

Fundamental analysis of harmonic reflection in microwave frequency triplers

“…This includes various combinations of the following techniques: basic development using optimum biasing and input power conditions (for example, the conduction angle technique) [1][2][3]; fundamental frequency input impedance "matching" [4,5]; input and output filtering [6,7]; and load-pull characterization [8,9].…”