Full D-band Frequency Sixtupler Waveguide Module for Instrumentation Application

Abstract

In this study, a full D-band (110-170 GHz) frequency sixtupler MMIC and waveguide module for instrumentation application are presented. The frequency sixtupler was implemented in indium phosphide (InP) 250-nm double heterojunction bipolar transistor (DHBT) technology and consists of two main parts: a frequency tripler and a frequency doubler, both enhanced with amplifiers for sufficient power. The sixtupler operates across a full D-band by ensuring all multipliers and amplifiers work at the saturated region. It also uses a doubly-tuned transformer for effective frequency matching. After fabrication, the sixtupler was then packaged into a waveguide module with an E-plane probe on a quartz substrate for a waveguide-to-microstrip transition. We have designed the transition to overcome an impedance mismatch associated with a bond-wire. Measured output power ranges from 2.7 to 9.8 dBm from the on-wafer test and -1.1 to 6.6 dBm from the waveguide module test, respectively, in the full D-band.