X-band Gunn diode oscillator for a multiple-frequency continuous-wave radar for educational purposes

A low-cost, high-performance X-band Gunn diode oscillator for educational and research purposes has been developed. The cavities have been manufactured on a standard WR90 rectangular waveguide with UBR100 flange in order to make it compatible with the waveguide circuitry usually available in a basic microwave laboratory. The capability of sweeping the whole X band at constant output power and low phase noise, as well as the low cost of its components, make this device suitable for users at any level. As an example of its many educational applications, a multiple frequency continuous-wave (MFCW) radar has been developed, and the results of the laboratory implementation are shown.