Efficiency of the surface-acoustic-wave diode convolver

The diode convolver performs signal processing, for example correlation, by mixing two input waveforms in an array of diodes, each diode being connected to a tap on a surface acoustic wave delay line. This paper gives the theory for the device efficiency, for a parallel circuit arrangement of taps and diodes. The effect of stray capacity is also analyzed. An experimental 31-tap device used hybrid circuitry in order to allow close spacing of the taps, giving a tap-to-tap propagation time of 90 ns. The efficiency agrees well with theory, showing that the bilinearity factor is maximized for an intermediate value of the bias current. The maximum bilinearity factor, relating external powers, was -34 dBm.