Design and Simulation of Ku-Band Voltage Tuned Dielectric Resonator Oscillator

In wireless communication systems like satellite communication, radar, avionics, navigation and electronic warfare, etc., the signal sources are necessary and integral part of front-end module. Many of front-end and up/down converter subsystem require local oscillators with low phase noise and high temperature stability as requirements. Different techniques are adopted for developing Voltage Tuned Dielectric Resonator Oscillator (VTDRO) like varactor based, and mechanical, etc. In this article a novel method for realizing high-Q tuning circuit coupled to microstrip line along with varactor diode is considered for VTDRO at 13.325GHz. The proposed method enables to achieve high performance VTDRO due to high Q tuning circuit along with high performance active network. Parameterized dielectric resonator “CYL_RESON” 3D element is used to design VTDRO and analyzed using Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tool. Article also presents, the oscillator analysis using nonlinear circuit and 3D electromagnetic (EM) co-simulations to account for the parasitic and EM coupling effects due to mechanical enclosure and routing. The circuit & 3D EM co-simulations are carried out using National Instrumentation (NI/AWR) Microwave Office (MWO) & Analyst Environment.