Wave transmission lines and networks – Frequency multipliers
Reexamination Certificate
1999-12-16
2001-10-02
Pascal, Robert (Department: 2817)
Wave transmission lines and networks
Frequency multipliers
C327S116000, C327S119000, C327S123000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06297716
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention pertains in general to devices for multiplying the frequency of microwave signals and in particular to such devices, which have a plurality of different resonant cavities.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Certain applications utilizing microwave signals require the production of a very high frequency signal in the microwave range. In general, the efficiency of producing a high frequency signal becomes less as the frequency of the signal increases. Therefore, the use of a frequency multiplier device with relatively high conversion efficiency can be a practical approach to the production of high frequency microwave signals. One type of microwave frequency multipliers is described in a white paper proposal entitled “High Power, High Efficiency, Monolithic Quasi-Optical Frequency Triplers Using Microwave Power Module Drivers” by N. C. Luhman, Jr. dated Feb. 27, 1996. The frequency multiplier described in this paper is an elongate waveguide device, which includes input and output filters and a multiplier array comprising diodes with antenna leads. A cavity multiplier, which does not utilize switching, is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,731,752 entitled “Microwave Signal Frequency Multiplier.”
There exists a need for a switched, microwave frequency multiplier, which can store energy at a frequency which is a multiple of a source signal and selectively release this energy when required.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A selected embodiment of the present invention is a switched microwave frequency signal multiplier, which includes a pump signal cavity for receiving a pump signal via an input port. A nonlinear medium is positioned within the pump signal cavity for receiving the pump signal and producing therefrom a harmonic signal of the pump signal. A frequency selective barrier is positioned within the pump signal cavity for defining a harmonic signal cavity for storing therein energy at the harmonic signal frequency. The frequency selective barrier is substantially transparent to the pump signal and substantially reflective to the harmonic signal. An output port is coupled to the harmonic signal cavity. A two-state switch is positioned in series with the output port. When the switch is set to a first state it blocks the transfer of the stored energy from the harmonic signal cavity. When set to the second state, the switch releases the stored energy from the harmonic signal cavity through the output port to produce a microwave signal pulse.
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Lockheed Martin Corporation
Pascal Robert
Sadacca Stephen S.
Sidley Austin Brown & Wood
Summons Barbara
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