A 60-GHz IMPATT oscillator array with pulsed operation

Describes the design and operation of a 60-GHz quasi-optical power combining array employing IMPATT diodes in a weakly coupled, hybrid, two-by-four arrangement. Frequency-locked operation of all eight elements has been achieved for CW operation with a total radiated power in excess of 2 W. Approximately 61 W of DC power was required to drive the array. Pulsed operation was investigated as a means of preventing overheating. The locking behavior of these pulsed arrays was characterized. The array was pulsed with a 2-ms-risetime, low-duty-cycle, 4-kHz bias. Under these conditions, single-frequency operation was observed throughout the duration of the pulse, including the turn-on period.<
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