Microwave mixers based on a novel zero bias diode

A Ku-band mixer based on a zero bias diode (ZBD) and its application is described. The diode can easily be implemented in an MMIC technology if enhancement FET or HEMT devices are available in the MMIC-process. It was experimentally verified that a star mixer realized with zero bias diodes instead of ordinary gate-Schottky diodes requires less LO-power and result in lower conversion loss. The specific application described is intended for space use and the reliability of the mixer is expected to be improved due to a smaller gate current.