Improved power leveling in mm-wave/sub-THz systems

Abstract

Because of low direct power detection sensitivities in the higher mm-wave ranges and the high multiplier orders typically used, accurate and stable leveled power control in this frequency range is challenging. Through more careful leveling modeling in the case of higher order multipliers under various detection schemes, one can better study structural effects on instantaneous power accuracy. Simulation and measurements showed that a real-time, post-multiplier detection method with adequate dynamic gain control was capable of instantaneous accuracy improvements of one to nearly 10 dB (depending on configuration) in the WR-2.2 band over a sampled approach and over a pre-multiplier detection method.