Application of the Harmonic Balance Method to Analysis of MESFET Oscillators and Dual Gate MESFET Mixers

MESFET microwave oscillators and dual gate mixers are analyzed by applying the harmonic balance method to the complete large signal device model combined with the external circuit. The combination results in a single port structure for the case of the oscillator and a three-port structure in the case of the mixer. Accurate prediction of the power efficiency and harmonic content of the oscillator and the conversion gain of the mixer is obtained. The technique is quite general and a change of the active device type requires only a change of the subroutine that handles its model.