Abstract
The principle of possible operation of a tunnel diode above its classically accepted resistive cutoff frequency is presented. This principle requires a new interpretation of the tunnel diode mounting and equivalent circuit. The theoretical analysis indicates that, if the tunnel diode is operated in the series circuit mode, the diode cannot be operated above its classical resistive cutoff frequency; but, if the same diode is operated in the parallel circuit mode, the diode can be operated far above its classical resistive cutoff frequency. Millimeter-wave operation of a microwave tunnel diode is given as an example. When the tunnel diode is operated in the parallel circuit mode, a new cutoff frequency appears. This is the conductive lower cutoff frequency. Below the conductive lower cutoff frequency and within certain forbidden frequency bands, the tunnel diode is in-operative in the parallel circuit mode. A method of operating the tunnel diode in the parallel circuit mode is given. Equations for the new cutoff frequency and the forbidden frequency bands are derived. The tunnel diode can be operated in the parallel circuit mode at an extremely high frequency and can be operated in the series circuit mode at a relatively low frequency.
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