Nonlinear Characterization of Varactors for Tunable Networks by Active Source-Pull and Load-Pull
Journal article, 2011
Varactors are key components in the realization of tunable networks, for instance, in high-efficiency power-amplifier architectures. This paper presents a method to measure the varactor quality factor (Q-factor) in the presence of nonlinear distortion. The importance of correctly choosing the loading condition at the second harmonic is illustrated by multiharmonic active source- and load-pull measurements. Furthermore, the method also allows for accurate extraction of the bias-dependent series resistance without the need of area consuming resonant structures. The proposed method is applied to characterize a silicon-carbide (SiC) Schottky diode varactor at 3 GHz. The measured results reemphasize that varactors are not linear tunable, but inherently nonlinear components that require proper consideration of the higher order harmonics.
loach bc
high-power
Load-pull
varactor
vmt12
silicon-carbide (SiC)
p15
nonlinear measurement
energy relations
Q-factor
series resistance
source-pull
millimeter-wave
1964
carbide
Author
Christer Andersson
Chalmers, Microtechnology and Nanoscience (MC2), Microwave Electronics
Mattias Thorsell
Chalmers, Microtechnology and Nanoscience (MC2), Microwave Electronics
Niklas Rorsman
Chalmers, Microtechnology and Nanoscience (MC2), Microwave Electronics
IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques
0018-9480 (ISSN) 15579670 (eISSN)
Vol. 59 7 1753-1760 5756678Subject Categories
Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Information Engineering
DOI
10.1109/TMTT.2011.2135377