Anritsu

Broadband frequency sources are required to extend the frequency range of broadband microwave and mmWave test equipment for applications such as 5G new radio (NR) communications, automotive radar, and security (detection) applications. In some broadband systems, nonlinear transmission line (NLTL)-based multipliers and receivers have been used to extend the frequency ranges. In one example, NLTL distributed harmonic generators (DHGs) can be used to extend the continuous wave (CW) source from 54GHz to 110/145GHz. However, their required input drive level must be approximately +24dBm to minimize conversion loss (and maximize output power) of the desired harmonic output tone. Overcoming these challenges requires a multiplier with lower required input drive power, broadband operation, and a balanced structure to naturally suppress the second harmonic.
The difficulty in meeting the input drive and unwanted harmonic suppression requirements for the DHG motivated Anritsu designers to develop an extended planar frequency tripler covering the entire G-band (140-220 GHz). Modeling the structure using a 3D simulator and extracting an accurate representation of the 6-port model was critical. The engineers chose Cadence AWR Design Environment software for this exacting design challenge.
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