Low Phase Noise Millimeter Wave Source

Compact, low-cost, low-phase noise oscillators play an important role in C3 applications; such as satellite communications, intelligent vehicle highway systems (IVHS), data links for robotics control and wideband local area networks. Commonly, dielectric resonator oscillators (DROs) are used in these applications at microwave frequencies. At millmeterwave frequencies, the DRO is no longer suitable as fundamental frequency oscillator because of the reduced Q and small puck size required. The objective of this program is to demonstrate a low phase noise millimeter wave source using a Ka-band DRO and a PHEMT frequency doubler. In Phase I, MMIC's from an Air Force sponsored Mentor Protege Program will be used for developing the source. Operating, frequencies will be 60 GHz and 77 GHz. In Phase II, a design for 95 GHz will also be developed based on data and modeling results from Phase I.