A 0.78–0.91–THz Wideband Frequency Tripler With Harmonic-Matched Bias Network

Abstract

A 0.78–0.91-THz wideband frequency tripler is demonstrated using a 250-nm InP DHBT technology. Considering potential inaccuracy of the transistor model at the submillimeter-wave frequencies, a simple one-stage common-emitter topology is adopted for the wideband and stable operation. To enhance the output power and suppress the unwanted harmonics, a harmonic-matched bias network is used for dc feed at the output. The frequency tripler was measured with an on-chip probing method. Although an overmode waveguide probe was used, which imposes an additional measurement loss, a peak output power was measured as −28 dBm at 0.813 THz. The bandwidth for a −35-dBm output power ranges from 0.78 to 0.91 THz. The conversion loss is from 35.9 to 45 dB over the bandwidth. The chip area is $273\times 460\,\,\mu \text{m}^{2}$ and the dc power consumption is 22 mW.

Keywords

• Frequency tripler
• InP DHBT
• wideband submillimeter-wave source
• WR-10 band