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Microwave notes

The document provides an overview of various microwave amplifiers and diodes, including the Crossed-Field Amplifier (CFA) and several types of diodes such as Varactor, Schottky, and Gunn diodes. Each device is described in terms of its working principle, characteristics, and applications in microwave technology. The CFA is noted for its efficiency and power capabilities, while the diodes are highlighted for their specific functionalities in tuning circuits, high-frequency applications, and signal generation.

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5 views11 pages

Microwave notes

The document provides an overview of various microwave amplifiers and diodes, including the Crossed-Field Amplifier (CFA) and several types of diodes such as Varactor, Schottky, and Gunn diodes. Each device is described in terms of its working principle, characteristics, and applications in microwave technology. The CFA is noted for its efficiency and power capabilities, while the diodes are highlighted for their specific functionalities in tuning circuits, high-frequency applications, and signal generation.

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Crossed field amplifier(CFA)

-The Crossed-Field Amplifier (CFA), is a broadband microwave amplifier that can also
be used as an oscillator (Stabilotron). It is a so-called Velocity-modulated Tube . The
CFA is similar in operation to the magnetron and is capable of providing relatively large
amounts of power with high efficiency.
-The electric and magnetic fields in a CFA are perpendicular to each other (“crossed
fields”).
-This is the same type of field interaction used in a magnetron; as a result, the two
devices share many characteristics (such as high peak power and efficiency) and they
have similar physical appearances.
-The magnetron is called a “crossed-field” device in the industry because both magnetic
and electric fields are employed in its operation, and they are produced in perpendicular
directions so that they cross. The applied magnetic field is constant and applied along
the axis of the circular device illustrated.

DIODES
1. Varactor Diode:
● Working Principle:
● A varactor diode, also known as a variable capacitance diode or varicap
diode, operates on the principle of a variable capacitance with an applied
voltage.
● The diode's capacitance varies with the reverse bias voltage across its
terminals.
● Characteristics:
● The capacitance C is inversely proportional to the square root of the
reverse bias voltage. ​

● Applications:
● Tuning circuits in radio and television receivers.
● Voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs) in frequency synthesizers.

2. Schottky Diode:
● Working Principle:
● The Schottky diode is a metal-semiconductor junction diode.
● It operates on the Schottky barrier principle, where a metal-semiconductor
junction forms a potential barrier instead of a p-n junction.
● Characteristics:
● Fast switching speed due to a lower forward voltage drop.
● Suitable for high-frequency applications.
● Applications:
● High-frequency rectification and mixing in RF and microwave circuits.
● High-speed switching circuits.
3. Gunn Diode:
● Working Principle:
● Gunn diodes operate based on the Gunn effect, which is the negative
differential resistance exhibited by certain semiconductor materials.
● The diode oscillates when a voltage above a threshold is applied,
producing microwave frequencies.
● Characteristics:
● Negative resistance region leads to microwave oscillations.
● Suitable for microwave signal generation.
● Applications:
● Microwave oscillators in radar and communication systems.
● Frequency generation in microwave test equipment.

4. Tunnel Diode:
● Working Principle:
● Tunnel diodes exploit quantum mechanical tunneling.
● They exhibit negative resistance, allowing them to amplify signals.
● Characteristics:
● Unique current-voltage characteristic with a negative resistance region.
● High-speed operation.
● Applications:
● Microwave amplifiers.
● Oscillators and detectors in microwave communication.

5. IMPATT Diode:
● Working Principle:
● The IMPATT (Impact Avalanche Transit Time) diode operates on the
principle of avalanche multiplication of charge carriers.
● The diode produces microwave signals due to the impact ionization
process.
● Characteristics:
● High-power microwave signal generation.
● Suitable for both low and high-frequency applications.
● Applications:
● Microwave oscillators in communication systems.
● Radar transmitters.

6. TRAPATT Diode:
● Working Principle:
● The TRAPATT (Trapped Plasma Avalanche Triggered Transit) diode
operates on the same principle as IMPATT but with a trapped plasma
region.
● The avalanche multiplication process is initiated by a trapped charge.
● Characteristics:
● Higher efficiency compared to IMPATT.
● Suitable for high-frequency applications.
● Applications:
● Microwave amplifiers and oscillators.
● Radar and satellite communication systems.

7. BARITT Diode:
● Working Principle:
● The BARITT (Barrier Injection Transit Time) diode utilizes a single, large,
high-field region.
● It operates based on the injection of carriers across a potential barrier.
● Characteristics:
● Similar to the IMPATT diode but with a simplified structure.
● Suitable for moderate-frequency applications.
● Applications:
● Microwave signal generation.
● Local oscillators in communication systems.

8. PIN Diode:
● Working Principle:
● A PIN diode is a p-type, intrinsic, and n-type semiconductor sandwiched
together.
● The depletion region can be controlled by applying a reverse bias,
affecting the diode's impedance.
● Characteristics:
● Acts as a variable resistor or switch at microwave frequencies.
● Low capacitance and fast switching speed.
● Applications:
● RF and microwave switches.
● Attenuators and phase shifters.

9. Step Recovery Diode:


● Working Principle:
● The Step Recovery Diode operates on the principle of charge storage and
abrupt release.
● When a forward-bias pulse is applied, the stored charge is rapidly released,
producing fast-rise time pulses.
● Characteristics:
● Very fast switching speeds.
● Used as a frequency multiplier and pulse generator.
● Applications:
● Frequency multiplication in microwave circuits.
● Pulse generators in radar and communication systems.

KLYSTRONS
TWT

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