A Novel Microwave Noise Generator Using Multiple Zener Diodes Connected in Series

A novel microwave noise generator circuit using multiple Zener diodes connected in series was designed and tested. Measurements are presented up to 6 GHz. It is presented in this letter that when the number of series Zener diodes increases, the amount of noise power generated also increases across the band of interest. However, the increase of noise power from one-zener to two-zener configuration and from two-zener to three-zener configuration is not uniform. Measurements were limited to three zeners connected in series due to available high-voltage dc power supply.