Relaxing avalanche mode and its relation to TRAPATT, a.r.p. and IMPATT oscillators

A large-signal computer study has been used to examine the initiation of TRAPATT oscillations and the multifrequency nature of TRAPATT amplifiers. A relaxing avalanche mode is observed to lead to trapped-plasma generation below the critical current density qNd vs, merging smoothly to relaxation oscillations without a trapped plasma. The analysis shows that certain diode-circuit-impedance relationships should be met for self-initiation of TRAPATT oscillations and provides an explanation of the TRAPATT amplification mechanism of Prager, Chang and Weisbrod.