High-Frequency Limitations of IMPATT, MITATT, and TUNNETT Mode Devices

Abstract

High-frequency limitations of IMPATT and other mode devices are explored by concentrating on the details of the Iarge-signal injected current pulse formation. Simple waveform models are given for injected current pulses of large widths, and various scaling relations are also included. The large-signal injected current pulse is calculated by use of a modified Read equation where attention is given to the effect of the intrinsic response time and the tunneling current. The poor high-frequency performance of GaAs devices is explained by postulating that the intrinsic response time is larger than expected. Tunneling current is shown to increase the high-frequency performance of GaAs diodes. Device efficiencies are calculated for specific diode structures by using a computer simulation which includes mixed avalanche-tunnel breakdown. The results for GaAs and Si devices are given, and the results are discussed and compared.