Injection-locked harmonic self-oscillating mixer for variable phase-shifter applications in active microstrip phased antenna arrays

摘要

A new phase shifter element for use in active microstrip phased antenna arrays is presented. It is based on an injection-locked harmonic self-oscillating mixer, providing the double functionality of variable phase-shifter and down-converter. Maximum conversion gain is obtained, through the use of a new multiharmonic load at the input of the circuit. The ranges of synchronized operation are analyzed versus the circuit parameters, paying attention on the stability of the implemented circuit A 12 GHz to 3 GHz down-converter with a 4.5 GHz injection frequency has been designed, providing a stable phase-shift variation up to 360/spl deg/, with an 8 dB conversion gain.