Computer-aided nonlinear analysis of microwave and millimeter wave amplifiers and mixers

Abstract

This dissertation presents the development of a new approach for computer-aided analysis of microwave and millimeter wave amplifiers and mixers employing MESFETs or any three-terminal devices. The approach, combining the powerful harmonic balance technique with a novel global numerical method, possesses a unique characteristic of globally fast convergence. The development is begun with the descriptions of the principles of operation and DC characteristics of the GaAs MESFETs using the device physics along with the Curtice model, a large signal model based on measured device data. A general treatment of the harmonic balance method is then presented. In the harmonic balance method, analyses of linear and nonlinear elements of circuits are performed in the frequency domain and the time domain, respectively. Novel explicit expressions for the elements of the Jacobian matrix needed in the analysis are also derived. The numerical algorithm implemented in the nonlinear analysis technique is described in details. This numerical algorithm combines the rapid convergence speed of Newton's method with a globally convergent line search method and is globally robust and locally fast. Large signal analysis of microwave GaAs MESFET amplifier using the harmonic balance technique is addressed. A new analysis approach for the MESFET mixers is presented. The approach incorporates the harmonic balance large signal analysis into an extended small signal analysis originally developed for diode mixers. Simulated performances of GaAs MESFET amplifier and mixer circuits using the developed analyses and the commercially available software LIBRA are compared to verify the theory. Experimental results of a MESFET amplifier fabricated are also compared with calculated results to further confirm the analysis.

Notes

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Graduation Date

1990

Semester

Fall

Advisor

Christodoulou, Christos

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

College

College of Engineering

Department

Electrical Engineering

Format

PDF

Pages

237 p.

Language

English

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Access Status

Doctoral Dissertation (Open Access)

Identifier

DP0027718

Subjects

Dissertations, Academic -- Engineering; Engineering -- Dissertations, Academic

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