Chaos detection in microwave circuits using harmonic balance commercial simulations

In the present work a method has been developed for the detection of chaotic responses in microwave circuits. The new technique is based on the use of commercial harmonic balance software, which constitutes a major advantage for microwave circuit designers. In order to validate the new method, the bifurcation loci of Chua's chaotic circuit have been obtained and successfully compared with time domain simulations. The proposed method is readily applicable to IMPATT, Gunn and tunnel diode microwave oscillators.