Microwave Logic Circuits Using Diodes

It is possible to control the transmission of microwave power in a waveguide via external control of the dc bias on a semiconductor diode mounted across the waveguide in a direction parallel to the E field. The combination of a microwave detector with such a modulator affords a means whereby RF power in one waveguide can be made to control RF power in a second waveguide. In order to test the applicability of this circuit to binary logic functions, a regenerative memory loop has been constructed. Traveling-wave tubes were employed to raise the level of a controlled signal to that required by the detector. Using an X-band carrier, binary pulse stability was observed at pulse repetition rates of 685 mc.