Simulation Investigation of Millimeter Wave Varactor-tuned Transmission Cavity-stabilized Oscillator

A new circuit configuration for millimeter wave varactor-tuned transmission cavity-stabilized oscillator has been proposed in this paper. Compared to conventional varactor-tuned reflection cavity-stabilized oscillator, in this configuration, a high quality factor transmission cavity directly coupled to varactor diode is employed to improve the performances of the oscillator. The operation frequency of this oscillator can be tuned by varying the resonant frequency of the transmission cavity through changing bias voltage of the varactor diode. An equivalent circuit model for the oscillator has been presented in order to theoretically investigate the performance characteristics of the oscillator. On the basis of this model, electrical tuning characteristics have been studied. Mode jumping phenomena during electrical tuning process have been analyzed for obtaining stable operations of the oscillator. The analytical formulae of quality factor and efficiency have been derived in terms of relevant circuit parameters. Particular emphasis has been paid on several circuit parameters which have a substantial impact on circuit performance. Some design considerations have been pointed out according to the simulation results, which are useful to the design and fabrication of this type of oscillators.