Large signal design of broadband monolithic microwave frequency dividers

A monolithic regenerative divider by two with a 6-GHz central input frequency has been designed and fully characterized using an improved harmonic balance formulation, suitable to deal with autonomous and phase-locked regimes. The solution paths when the input generator power and frequency are modified have been traced. The output power at the divided frequency has been evaluated as a function of both parameters as well as the output power of the free running oscillator regime. Results have been experimentally verified, and excellent agreement has been obtained. Frequency jumps and hysteresis phenomena often encountered in such devices can be fully analyzed, thus providing a useful tool for a thorough investigation of synchronized devices.<>