US3868588A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Microwave oscillator or amplifier using parametric enhanced trapatt circuits
Assignee: RCA Corp
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Filing: 1974-01-11
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Granted: 1975-02-25
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Expires: 1994-01-11
Abstract
Abstract A semiconductor element is operated in the TRAPATT mode and is capable of generating a microwave signal at a plurality of harmonically related frequencies. The circuit, utilizing the electrical impedance characteristics of the mounted semiconductor element, converts these frequencies into a single desired output frequency which is then transmitted to a terminating load impedance.
Inventors
- 👤 Alfred Schwartzmann
- 👤 Vitas Anthony Mikenas
- 👤 John Jerome Thomas
- 👤 Kern Konan Chang
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 10:18
CPC Classifications
H; H03; H03B; H03B9/00; H03B9/12; H03B9/14; H03B9/147
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
154 words
A microwave apparatus comprising: a microwave transmission line; a semiconductor element, having a known internal capacitance, capable of generating a microwave signal at a plurality of frequencies which are harmonically related, said semiconductor element having first and second electrodes; an adjustable coupling means for coupling said semiconductor element to said transmission line so that said semiconductor element is self resonant at one of said harmonically related frequencies; a frequency conversion means coupled to said transmission line, said frequency conversion means utilizing the said self resonance of said semiconductor element for converting energy contained in said harmonically related component frequencies of said microwave signal into energy at a single desired output frequency; and an output means for transmitting said output frequency to a terminating load impedance, said output means having an electrical frequency resonator providing a parallel circuit coupled across said first and second electrodes, said parallel circuit being resonant at said desired output frequency.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
154 words
A microwave apparatus comprising: a microwave transmission line; a semiconductor element, having a known internal capacitance, capable of generating a microwave signal at a plurality of frequencies which are harmonically related, said semiconductor element having first and second electrodes; an adjustable coupling means for coupling said semiconductor element to said transmission line so that said semiconductor element is self resonant at one of said harmonically related frequencies; a frequency conversion means coupled to said transmission line, said frequency conversion means utilizing the said self resonance of said semiconductor element for converting energy contained in said harmonically related component frequencies of said microwave signal into energy at a single desired output frequency; and an output means for transmitting said output frequency to a terminating load impedance, said output means having an electrical frequency resonator providing a parallel circuit coupled across said first and second electrodes, said parallel circuit being resonant at said desired output frequency.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
A microwave apparatus in accordance with claim 1 in which said semiconductor element comprises one or more diodes operating in the TRAPATT mode.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
39 words
A microwave apparatus in accordance with claim 2 including means for applying a reverse bias signal, exceeding a predetermined threshold magnitude, across said electrodes of said diodes, to effect said diodes being triggered into said TRAPATT mode of operation.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
36 words
A microwave apparatus in accordance with claim 3, wherein said reverse bias signal is a D.C. voltage having a magnitude exceeding said predetermined threshold magnitude, whereby said diodes oscillate at a desired fundamental frequency plus harmonics.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
60 words
A microwave apparatus in accordance with claim 3, wherein said reverse bias signal is the sum of a D.C. voltage having a magnitude less than said predetermined threshold magnitude and the amplitude of an applied microwave input signal, said sum having a magnitude exceeding said predetermined threshold magnitude, whereby said diode is triggered into amplifying said applied microwave input signal.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
46 words
A microwave apparatus in accordance with claim 1 in which said coupling means includes an inductor element connected in series with said semiconductor element, said inductor element having an inductance adjusted to be resonant with said internal capacitance of said semiconductor element at a desired frequency.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
28 words
A microwave apparatus in accordance with claim 6 in which said inductor element comprises a metal ribbon having an inductance adjusted by changing physical dimensions of said ribbon.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
32 words
A microwave apparatus in accordance with claim 1 in which said frequency conversion means comprises two or more filter networks, each of said filter networks being series resonant at a predetermined frequency.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
29 words
A microwave apparatus in accordance with claim 8 in which one or more of said filter networks are coupled to said transmission line in parallel with said semiconductor element.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
24 words
A microwave apparatus in accordance with claim 1 in which said output means comprises a transmission line filter segment and a fine tuning segment.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
30 words
A microwave apparatus in accordance with claim 1 in which said electrical frequency resonator comprises a plaNar metal film layer electrically connected to said first electrode of said semiconductor element.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
35 words
A microwave apparatus in accordance with claim 10 in which said fine tuning segment comprises one or more variable capacitors, each being connected in parallel across said first and second electrodes of said semiconductor element.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-02-24 | 1978-08-26 | 1979-02-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-02-24 | 1982-08-26 | 1983-02-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-02-24 | 1986-08-26 | 1987-02-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |