Wideband MMIC Nonlinear Transmission-line Comb Generator

A wideband MMIC Nonlinear Transmission-line (NLTL) comb generator is reported in this paper. The theory, design, simulation and measurement of MMIC comb generator is introduced in detail. Comparing with SRD comb generator, the MMIC NLTL chip has the advantages of ultra wide operating frequency band, high output power, and small size, etc.. The NLTL comb generator is fabricated with GaAs Schottky diode and self-bias of MMIC diodes is sufficient for operation. NLTL chip takes an input sine signal and create an impulse train of harmonics. Harmonic outputs up to 70 GHz are generated by the NLTL comb generator. It can be applied to oscilloscopes, Time Domain Reflectometers (TDRs), frequency counter, phased locked synthesizers, etc..