BALANCED UNILATERAL FREQUENCY QUADRUPLER

摘要

An integrated frequency quadrupler consists of a pair of balanced frequency doublers that are driven in phase quadrature using a hybrid coupler. This approach results, effectively, in a "unilateral" multiplier that presents a match to the input-driving source, irrespective of the impedance of the doubler stages. The present invention applies this architecture to implement an integrated frequency quadrupler with output frequency of 160 GHz using quasi vertical GaAs varactors fabricated on thin silicon support membranes. The quadrupler has a balanced circuit architecture that addresses degradation issues often arising from impedance mismatches between multiplier stages. A unique quasi-vertical diode process is used to implement the quadrupler, resulting in an integrated drop-in chip module that incorporates 18 varactors, matching networks and beamleads for mounting. The chip is tailored to fit a multiplier waveguide housing resulting in high reproducibility and consistency in manufacture and performance.