CAD Techniques for 183GHz Fixed Tuned Sub-Harmonic Mixer Using Foundry Diodes

Abstract

This paper describes the computer aided design techniques used to design millimeter-wave mixer components for potentially high volume applications such as medical and security screening and non-destructive testing. These are demonstrated by the design of a 183GHz subharmonic mixer for earth observation applications. Using commercially available foundry diodes, the mixer exhibits 6.85dB double side-band conversion loss and a mixer temperature of 988 Kelvin using 5mW of local oscillator power at 92GHz. The subharmonic mixer is designed as a fixed tuned component with the least number of parts to minimize the cost and maximize its potential for volume manufacture