Millimeter-Wave CW IMPATT Diodes and Oscillators

This paper summarizes the current state of the art of silicon CW millimeter-wave IMPATT diodes and oscillators in the frequency range from 30 to 250 GHz. Design procedures, fabrication, and packaging technology are reviewed, and the current performance of diode oscillators is reported. A brief account of present device reliability is also presented. The contrast between maturing device technology below 100 GHz and largely laboratory-based technology at higher frequencies is discussed. Finally, a prognosis of future developments is offered.