Nonlinear optimization tools for the design of high-efficiency microwave oscillators

A new systematic method is presented for the design of high-efficiency microwave oscillators. It is based on the control of the transistor output-voltage waveform, through the combined use of a nonperturbing auxiliary generator and a substitution generator. The nonperturbing generator sets the oscillation frequency at the desired value during the entire design process. The combination of the two generators allows obtaining a quasisquare output-voltage waveform, with optimum harmonic components to maximize the efficiency. Attention is paid to the stability and phase noise of the implemented oscillator, which are analyzed versus technological parameters. A 6-GHz oscillator has been designed using these techniques, with good experimental results.     

Analytical comparison between time- and frequency-domain techniques for phase-noise analysis

In the literature, different techniques have been presented for the phase-noise analysis of free-running oscillator circuits. In order to give some insight into the relationships existing between them, an analytical comparison is carried out in this paper between three different approaches. Two of them are time-domain approaches, based on Floquet's theory and the impulse sensitivity function, respectively, and the third one is the carrier modulation approach, in frequency domain. The application of Floquet's theory enables the calculation of periodic sensitivity functions to the noise perturbations. Here, the possibility to determine these functions through harmonic balance is demonstrated. This allows applying the whole stochastic characterization of phase noise, obtained from time-domain analysis, to circuits simulated through harmonic balance. For illustration, calculations in a cubic-nonlinearity oscillator are presented.     

Receiving Phased Antenna Array Based on Injection-Locked Harmonic Self-Oscillating Mixers

A 4 times 1 element receiving phased antenna array is presented with phase-shifter elements based on injection-locked harmonic self-oscillating mixers. Each phase-shifter element provides the double functionality of variable phase-shifter and down-converter. The phase-shifts applied to the input signals coming from the different antenna patch elements can be selected by dc control signals in a continuous range of 450deg. The required dc control voltages are calculated for the different incident angles by means of harmonic balance simulations. The influences of phase-shift and conversion gain errors on the beam-steering frequency performance of the antenna are studied. Also illustrated is how the phase-shifter parameters can be optimized in order to minimize the frequency scanning. A 4 times 1 element receiving phased antenna array, with an input frequency band centered at 11.25 GHz and the output frequency band centered at 1.5 GHz, has been manufactured for the experimental validation of the simulated results. A beam scanning range from -23deg to 23deg has been experimentally obtained.     

Nonlinear Optimization of Wide-Band Harmonic Self-Oscillating Mixers

A new optimization method is presented for the design of wide-band harmonic self-oscillating mixers (HSOMs). High conversion gain is obtained through near-bifurcation operation and optimization of the harmonic content of the self-oscillation. Bifurcation analysis- and control-techniques are used in combination with nonlinear optimization techniques based on the use of an auxiliary generator. An 11.25-1.5 GHz third harmonic self-oscillating mixer (3HSOM) with a 2.5 dB down-conversion gain over a 1.2 GHz bandwidth has been designed. A good agreement between the simulated and experimental results has been found.     

Nonlinear optimization tools for the design of microwave high-conversion gain harmonic self-oscillating mixers

A new optimization method is presented for the design of microwave high-conversion gain harmonic self-oscillating mixers (SOMs). It is based on the control of the harmonic content of the transistor input-voltage waveform of the self-oscillation, through the use of a nonperturbing auxiliary generator and a substitution generator. The combination of the two generators allows obtaining the optimum harmonic content of the transistor-gate voltage waveform for a maximum conversion gain. Two different downconverter circuits have been designed using this method, a second harmonic SOM and a third harmonic SOM, obtaining a high conversion gain. A good agreement between the simulated and experimental results has been found.     

Analysis of noise effects on the nonlinear dynamics of synchronizedoscillators

The higher sensitivity to noise of nonlinear systems near the onset of instability is analyzed here. The analysis is particularized to synchronized oscillators, studying the influence of the proximity to Hopf and Saddle-Node bifurcations. The calculations are compared with former scaling relationships and with results from time-domain integration. The average shift of bifurcation points due to noise perturbations is also analyzed. Two examples are shown: a cubic-nonlinearity oscillator and a 5 GHz hybrid oscillator, for experimental verifications     

Use of mutually coupled harmonic self-oscillating mixers for receiving phased-array antennas

A topology based on mutually coupled harmonic self-oscillating mixers for beam steering purposes in a receiver configuration is presented. The use of harmonic self-oscillating mixers increases the maximum inter-element phase-shift allowing greater steering angles. A 3 times 1 array has been manufactured showing good agreement between experimental and simulated results.     

Design and analysis of a microwave large-range variable phase-shifter based on an injection-locked harmonic self-oscillating mixer

In this letter, a new microwave variable phase-shifter based on an injection-locked harmonic self-oscillating mixer, is presented for its application in an active microstrip phased antenna array. The circuit provides the double functionality of variable phase-shifter and down-converter. Maximum conversion gain is obtained, through the optimization of a new multi-harmonic load at the input-port of the circuit. The ranges of synchronized operation are analyzed versus the circuit parameters and the corresponding phase-shifts are calculated. The stability of the synchronized solutions is analyzed using the envelope transient simulation method. An 11.25-1.5-GHz down-converter with a 3.25-GHz free-running frequency has been designed, providing a phase-shift variation at intermediate frequency up to 540/spl deg/, with a 4.5-dB conversion gain. A good agreement between the simulated and experimental results has been found.     

Phase-shifter/down-converter cell for phased-array antennas

A circuit based on an injection-locked second harmonic self-oscillating mixer is presented. The circuit provides the double functionality of variable phase shifter and down-converter. Conversion gain can be selected through the optimisation of a multiharmonic load. Phase-shift variation up to 360/spl deg/ at intermediate frequency is obtained through synchronised operation.     

New nonlinear design tools for self-oscillating mixers

New nonlinear design tools for self-oscillating mixers are presented here, with the aim to increase the designer's control over their behavior. The new tools enable fixing the self-oscillation frequency and selecting the optimum self-oscillation amplitude for maximum conversion gain. They can also be applied for the optimized design of harmonic self-oscillating mixers. Using bifurcation-theory concepts, it has been possible to increase the input-power range with self-oscillating-mixer operation. A self-oscillating mixer with 5.5 GHz input frequency has been designed and simulated obtaining very good agreement with the experimental results