High efficiency MMIC frequency triplers for millimeter and submillimeter wavelengths

Abstract

A complete wideband tripler circuit with optimized input, idler and output matching has been integrated onto GaAs. The circuit consists of a matched pair of antiparallel varactor diodes with provision for DC bias. The input impedance is near 50 /spl Omega/ in microstrip, while the output couples directly to reduced height waveguide. Circuits have been fabricated and tested for frequencies near 300 GHz. These triplers achieve a peak efficiency of 11% with a power output of 5-7 mW. While peak efficiency occurs over a narrow band, the efficiency exceeds 1% over a band of 230-325 GHz.