A MMIC subharmonically pumped SSB modulator

Abstract

A monolithic single-sideband modulator (SSBM) which utilizes balanced subharmonically pumped mixers is discussed. This SSBM is pumped at one half of the carrier frequency (f/sub c//2). The typical measured performance of this device is excellent, with >40-dB carrier suppression, >25-dB undesired sideband suppression, and <10-dB conversion loss over a carrier bandwidth of 14 to 19 GHz. Double-sideband suppressed carrier (DSBSC) and unsuppressed carrier operation, are also achievable with the same device when appropriate modulation signals are applied.<>