Active frequency multiplier-by-nine MMIC for millimeter-wave signal generation

An active frequency multiplier-by-nine MMIC with integrated buffer amplifier reaching 94 GHz from X-band is presented. The multiplier-by-nine generates an average output power of -6.5 dBm in the frequency range from 87 to 99 GHz. At 94 GHz the measured output power is -5 dBm with an input power of 9 dBm. The suppression of unwanted harmonics is better than 15 dBc. Phase-noise measurements prove the theoretical noise degeneration of 19 dB for the integrated circuit. The MMIC is realized in the Fraunhofer IAF metamorphic HEMT technology with 100 nm gate-length.