4-bit, 1 to 4 GHz reconfigurable discriminator for frequency measurement

This paper presents a novel 4-bit reconfigurable discriminator for frequency measurement, operating from 1 to 4 GHz. The discriminator is a two-port device used to identify the frequency of an unknown signal by switching between its 4 states. The device is formed by a fixed reference line and a switchable delay line. The device is implemented using microstrip lines and PIN diodes. Simulated and measured results are presented for the four states of the reconfigurable discriminator.