Fundamental analysis of harmonic reflection in microwave frequency triplers

Harmonic reflection is a vital technique for microwave frequency multiplier design, including the design of frequency triplers. In this article, principles of frequency tripler design with reflector networks are analyzed via harmonic‐balance simulation of an idealized MESFET/HEMT transistor model. The use of an idealized model allows fundamental mechanisms of 3f0 output power and conversion‐gain improvement via reflector networks to be characterized. Several reflector configurations are analyzed including: a 3f0 input reflector; a f0 output reflector; and a combination of both reflectors. The effects of reflector offset length on tripler performance are analyzed in terms of conversion gain, output power, reflected power, and time‐domain waveforms. As a result of this work, a greater understanding of harmonic‐reflector networks and their importance to tripler design is achieved. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J RF and Microwave CAE, 2006.