Microwave Transistors: Silicon bipolar transistors were first on the microwave scene, followed by GaAs field-effect transistors. Indeed, FETs now have noticeably lower noise figures, and in the C band and above they yield noticeably higher powers. A description of Microwave Transistors constructions and a discussion of their performance now follow. Transistor Construction: The various factors […]

High Frequency Limitations: As stated, transistors suffer from High Frequency Limitations. These are of a twofold nature. On the one hand, there are the same difficulties as those encountered with tubes, On the other hand, there is some difficulty in specifying accurately the performance of microwave transistors in a manner which would make it relatively […]

Surface Acoustic Waves Devices(SAW): Surface Acoustic Waves Devices may be propagated on the surfaces of solid piezoelectric materials, at frequencies in the VHF and UHF regions. Devices employing SAW principles were first discussed in the late 1960s, then moved out of the laboratory in about 1974, and since about 1978 have found many applications as […]

Stripline and Microstrip Transmission Line: Stripline and Microstrip Transmission Line are physically related to transmission lines but are covered here because they are microwave circuits used in conjunction with semiconductor microwave devices. As illustrated of Stripline and Microstrip Transmission Line shown in Figure 12-1, stripline consists of flat metallic ground planes, separated by a thickness […]

Trapatt Diode Construction and Working: The Trapatt Diode Construction and Working is derived from and closely related to the IMPATT diode. Indeed, as pointed out near the beginning of this section, at first it was merely a different, “anomalous,” method of operating the IMPATT diode. A greatly simplified operation will now be described. Basic Operation: […]