Integrated circuit tunable cavity oscillator

An integrated circuit tunable cavity oscillator is described for extremely high frequency operation in image line waveguide. The oscillator includes a metal base with a cylindrical bore, a dielectric or semiconductor waveguide mounted atop the metal base and having a bore which is continuous with the metal base bore. A Gunn or IMPATT diode is assembled in the metal base bore on top of a drum which is urged upwards toward the waveguide bore by a spring located behind the drum. From above a top disk and a threaded screw cover the waveguide bore and push the diode into the metal base bore to define the cavity height of the coaxial cavity of the oscillator. The waveform, which is set up in the recessed cavity in the metal base, is launched into the waveguide. Thus, a ruggedized, low cost, tunable (by a tuning screw) and low weight oscillator for millimeter wave image line or microstrip operation is obtained. Furthermore, the oscillator diode and cavity defining hardware are easily replaceable.