A broadband monolithic millimeter wave frequency tripler by using bbBNN varactor diodes

Abstract

In this paper, a new type of frequency tripler operating into the millimeter wave frequency range consisting of an array of bbBNN varactor diodes loading a slotline, is firstly described and then analysed by computer simulation. Due to the symmetry of the capacitance versus the voltage for these types of diodes, the second harmonics cannot propagate along the circuit toward the output, as such the conversion efficiency to the third harmonics is improved. It is also demonstrated that for this type of frequency tripler, a good conversion efficiency may be obtained for a large input frequency range.