Analytical Modeling of Microwave Parametric Upconverters

Parametric amplification is a well-studied phenomenon by which a nonlinear reactance mixes an RF large-signal (pump) with an IF small-signal (source) to generate mixing products with gain. In this paper, two analytical models are derived and validated that predict limitations in the gain and efficiency of a parametric upconverter associated with varactor tuning range and quality factor. The analytical models are validated by circuit simulations and by two breadboard upconverters.