A push-pull self-oscillating mixer for optically fed phased array

Presents a push-pull self-oscillating mixer that can perform three important functions: (1) oscillation, (2) frequency and phase locking to a reference signal, and (3) mixing with the data signals. This circuit performs these three functions efficiently with low power consumption. Until now, these functions could be done only by independent circuits. The concept was analyzed and experimentally demonstrated at 12 GHz using a MESFET pair with a measured conversion efficiency as high as 13 dB and a noise figure of 9 dB. Efficient subharmonic injection locking was also demonstrated. This design can be easily extended to high electron mobility transistors and heterojunction bipolar transistors at higher frequencies.<>