Microwave quenchable oscillators-a new class

A novel class of fast-switching oscillators is presented, in which the oscillations are switched on and off without affecting the device bias conditions by quenching the negative resistance with a pin diode. The quenching technique, applicable to all types of oscillators, makes possible the realization of fast-switching, fast-settling, spurious-free wideband multi-oscillator assemblies. The speed of operation is demonstrated by a Ku-band voltage-controlled oscillator which settles within 1 MHz of its final frequency and a Ku-band dielectric resonator oscillator which settles within 100 kHz of its final frequency within 1 mu s after the output is switched on using the pin-diode quenching technique. The same pin-diode control can be used in a 'partial quenching' mode for control of output power level and for harmonic reduction. >