Graphene-Based Balanced Nonlinear Transmission-Line Frequency Doubler

German Microwave Conference, pp. 265–268

Abstract

This paper introduces a tunable balanced Nonlinear Transmission-Line (NLTL) frequency doubler topology designed using graphene-based Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuit (MMIC) technology. The frequency doubler chip, operating at a centre frequency of 1.6 GHz, is presented alongside its validation through a proof-of-concept Printed Circuit Board (PCB). The proposed topology offers significant advantages, including high harmonics suppression and exceptional phase noise performance. We employ two measurement setups to evaluate the PCB's performance, showcasing the practical applicability of the design. The frequency doubler design achieved remarkable performance, featuring a conversion gain of -11 dB with high tunability. The circuit exhibited good fundamental suppression below -25 dB, and third and fourth harmonic suppression lower than -35 dB. Moreover, the circuit showcased low-phase noise with a delta carrier-to-noise ratio (CNR) of 6.33 dB.

Authors 4

1. Abdelrahman Elgamal Aachen Chair of Radar Systems Engineering Institute of High Frequency Technology

   Fraunhofer Institute for High Frequency Physics and Radar Techniques · RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Fraunhofer Institute for High Frequency Physics and Radar Techniques,Wachberg,Germany

   Fraunhofer Institute for High Frequency Physics and Radar Techniques, Wachberg, Germany

   RWTH Aachen, Chair of Radar Systems Engineering Institute of High Frequency Technology, Aachen, Germany

2. Paula Palacios Aachen Chair of High Frequency Electronics

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Chair of High Frequency Electronics, RWTH Aachen,Aachen,Germany

   Chair of High Frequency Electronics, RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany

3. Renato Negra Aachen Chair of High Frequency Electronics

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Chair of High Frequency Electronics, RWTH Aachen,Aachen,Germany

   Chair of High Frequency Electronics, RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany

4. Thomas Dallmann

   Technische Universität Ilmenau

   Affiliation as printed

   Technische Universität Ilmenau,Research Group FAVF,Ilmenau,Germany