100 GHz MMIC Power Source Development Study

Abstract

This paper comprises a tutorial in the development of MMIC based high frequency multiplier chains, suitable for use in high frequency power sources. The development of suitable single function building blocks is discussed. The arrangement of suitable combinations of these building blocks in more complex cascaded chains is also presented. A strategy to aid in the identification of an optimum solution for the nominal requirement is provided. Using this approach, it is shown that a 25 to 100GHz multiplier capable of delivering more than 100mW at 100GHz is feasible using existing GaAs technology. In fact it is shown that there is potential to deliver this power level for an incident level of about 10mW at 25GHz.