Planar varistor mode Schottky diode frequency tripler covering 60 GHz to 110 GHz

Abstract

Frequency extender modules of vector network analyzers (VNA) and signal generators, as well as front end modules of semiconductor automatic testsystems (ATS) make use of broadband resistive diode frequency multipliers. We present the design and construction of a planar varistor tripler utilizing commercial gallium arsenide (GaAs) Schottky diodes on thin-film processed alumina (Al2O3) substrate. Synthesis is based on a co-simulation procedure between 3D electromagnetic field (EM) and nonlinear circuit simulations. Measurement data over the focused output frequency range from 60 GHz to 110 GHz is presented.