Fundamental analysis of harmonic reflection in microwave frequency triplers

Abstract

Harmonic reflection is a vital technique for microwave frequency multiplier design, including the design of frequency triplers. In this article, principles of frequency tripler design with reflector networks are analyzed via harmonic-balance simulation of an idealized MESFET/HEMT transistor model. The use of an idealized model allows fundamental mechanisms of 3f0 output power and conversion-gain improvement via reflector networks to be characterized. Several reflector configurations are analyzed including: a 3f0 input reflector; a f0 output reflector; and a combination of both reflectors. The effects of reflector offset length on tripler performance are analyzed in terms of conversion gain, output power, reflected power, and time-domain waveforms. As a result of this work, a greater understanding of harmonic-reflector networks and their importance to tripler design is achieved. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J RF and Microwave CAE, 2006.