Bias-dependent small-signal parameters of Schottky contact microstrip lines

Schottky contact lines are a type of microstrip on semiconducting substrata. The strip forms a rectifying metal-semiconductor interface, the Schottky contact. Schottky contact lines show interesting small-signal and large-signal properties, so far unknown in microwave IC-technology, due to the voltage-dependent capacitance per unit length.In this paper the small-signal transmission line properties are investigated. Formulas for the characteristic impedance and the propagation constant are given. Particular account is taken of the effect of varying external d.c. bias. measurements performed on microstrip lines with Al- and Au-Schottky contacts on n-type silicon are given.