Compact High-Powered Frequency Multipliers for S-Band Telemetry Frequencies

This paper describes reliable solid-state stripline frequency multipliers that develop an output power in excess of 16 watts at band. An overall efficiency of 46 percent is achieved for two cascaded doublers that have adequate varactor diode temperature derating to permit continuous operation at 90°C heat sink temperature. The stripline construction techniques use solid dielectric with 1/8-inch ground plane spacing permitting an extremely rugged compact package. The wide dynamic bandwidth of these devices permits the design of high linearity, wide-band, solid-state telemetry links. A technique is described that permits parallel operation of varactor diodes with inherently high isolation that ensures equal power sharing. The general design steps are also discussed. Data are presented that illustrate input-output power linearity, temperature stability, spurious signals, and bandwidth.