A monolithic dielectrically stabilized voltage controlled oscillator for the millimeter wave range

The design, fabrication, and evaluation of a monolithic 29-GHz dielectrically stabilized voltage-controlled oscillator (DVO) using a MESFET as the active device are described. The novel design yields an oscillator with excellent phase noise behavior and frequency tuning capabilities. A phase noise N/C/sub FM/ of -100 dBc/Hz at 100 kHz off carrier and an output power of+8 dBm without significant deviation over the full tuning range of 45 MHz are obtained. A frequency stability of -6 ppm/ degrees C is measured in the -20 degrees C to +80 degrees C temperature range for a+3 ppm/ degrees C temperature coefficient of the dielectric resonator. The MMIC (monolithic microwave integrated circuit) device is realized using a 0.25- mu m MESFET technology.<>