Reflective Parametric Frequency-Selective Limiters With Sub-dB Loss and μWatts Power Thresholds

This article describes the design methodology to achieve reflective diode-based parametric frequency-selective limiters (pFSLs) with low-power thresholds (Pth) and sub-dB insertion-loss values ( ILs.s) for driving power levels (Pin) lower than Pth. In addition, we present the measured performance of a reflective pFSL designed through the discussed methodology and assembled on an FR-4 printed circuit board (PCB). Due to its optimally engineered dynamics, the built pFSL can operate around ~2.1 GHz while exhibiting record-low Pth (-3.4 dBm) and ILs.s (0.94 dB) values. Furthermore, while the pFSL can selectively attenuate undesired signals with power ranging from -3.4 to 13 dBm, it provides a strong suppression level (IS> 12.0 dB) even when driven by much higher Pin values approaching 28 dBm. Such measured performance metrics demonstrate how the unique nonlinear dynamics of parametric-based FSLs can be leveraged through components and systems compatible with conventional chip-scale manufacturing processes in order to increase the resilience to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and even of wireless radios designed for low-power consumption and, consequently, characterized by a narrow dynamic range.