A Low Local Oscillator Power K-band Mixer Based on Tunneling Diodes

In this article, we will demonstrate a low local oscillator (LO) power K-band mixer based on a tunneling diode technology. Due to its unique diode characteristics, no DC supply is needed, whereas an LO power as low as -2 dBm is required for nominal functionality. The energy-efficient MMIC prototype integrates a pair of heterojunction interband tunnel diodes and a 90° coplanar broadband coupler. The prototype is optimized within the 19 –26 GHz band, with an IF ranging from zero to 7 GHz. In addition, when compared with other mixers, it has the lowest LO power requirement with a conversionloss ranging from 6 to 10 dB, an input compression point of -3 dBm and an intercept 2nd and 3rd order intermodulation point of 22 and 12 dBm, respectively.