Mm-Wave Dielectric Resonator AFC Discriminator

Abstract

A novel frequency discriminator using a dielectric resonator is described, for use at frequencies circa 30GHz. The circuit achieves excellent temperature stability (< 6ppm/deg C) at very low unit cost, and overcomes the need to use two closely tuned resonance modes. It is useful in particular for automatic frequency control (AFC) of mm-wave oscillators, and is suitable for inclusion with other functions in a microwave integrated circuit. The resonator puck is bonded by a novel technique giving very low additional loss, unlike the use of epoxies.