10 to 40 GHz doubler-doubler chain for Satcom applications

The present paper is concerned with frequency doubler designs which meet onboard requirements for Military Satellite Communications (Satcom) applications. All electrical requirements are to be satisfied over a temperature range from -40 to +60 deg C, while the mechanical design must be rugged enough to withstand the rigors of launch. It is pointed out that the varactor multiplier diode remains the device of choice for providing medium power of high spectral purity in the microwave frequency region extending to frequencies above 100 GHz. The design of efficient, finite bandwidth varactor diode frequency doublers is here of special interest, taking into account devices, which, when driven by 100 mW at GHz provide 10 mW of power at 40 GHz. The multipliers described use commercially available GaAs punch-through multiplier varactors. Attention is given to a diode description, a 10 to 20 GHz doubler, the output and input circuits, a 20 to 40 GHz doubler, bias, and mechanical aspects.