Frequency multiplier with balun function

A frequency multiplier configured to generate differential output signals from a single-ended input signal, the frequency multiplier comprising:

• a single-ended input to receive the input signal with a frequency of f0;
• differential outputs to provide the differential output signals;
• a first signal branch connected to the single-ended input and one of the differential outputs, wherein the first signal branch comprises a first filter, a first nonlinear component, and a second filter;
• and
• a second signal branch connected to the single-ended input and another one of the differential outputs, wherein the second signal branch comprises a third filter, a second nonlinear component, and a fourth filter;
• wherein the first filter and the third filter each has a center frequency of f0 and is either a low pass or bandpass filter;
• wherein the second filter and the fourth filter each has a center frequency of 2nf0 and is either a high pass or bandpass filter;
• wherein the first and second nonlinear components are configured such that even-order harmonics generated in the first and second nonlinear components are in anti-phase and the differential output signals are generated with a frequency of 2n times the frequency of the input signal at the differential outputs, wherein n is an integer number;
• wherein the first and second nonlinear components are connected in shunt in the first and second signal branches;
• wherein, in the first signal branch, the first nonlinear component is a first diode comprising a first anode and a first cathode, the first anode being connected with the single-ended input via a first capacitor and the first filter, the first anode being also connected with the one of the differential outputs via a second capacitor and the second filter, the first cathode of the first diode being grounded;
• wherein the second nonlinear component is a second diode comprising a second anode and a second cathode, wherein the second anode is connected with a first DC supply via a first inductor;
• and
• wherein, in the second signal branch, the second cathode is connected with the single-ended input via a third capacitor and the third filter, the second cathode is also connected with the other of the differential outputs via a fourth capacitor and the fourth filter, the second anode of the second diode is grounded, and the second cathode is connected with a second DC supply via a second inductor.

A frequency multiplier configured to generate differential output signals from a single-ended input signal, the frequency multiplier comprising:

• a single-ended input to receive the input signal with a frequency of f0;
• differential outputs to provide the differential output signals;
• a first signal branch connected to the single-ended input and one of the differential outputs, wherein the first signal branch comprises a first filter, a first nonlinear component, and a second filter;
• and
• a second signal branch connected to the single-ended input and another one of the differential outputs, wherein the second signal branch comprises a third filter, a second nonlinear component, and a fourth filter;
• wherein the first filter and the third filter each has a center frequency of f0 and is either a low pass or bandpass filter;
• wherein the second filter and the fourth filter each has a center frequency of 2nf0 and is either a high pass or bandpass filter;
• wherein the first and second nonlinear components are configured such that even-order harmonics generated in the first and second nonlinear components are in anti-phase and the differential output signals are generated with a frequency of 2n times the frequency of the input signal at the differential outputs, wherein n is an integer number;
• wherein the first and second nonlinear components are bipolar junction transistors with different types;
• wherein, in the first signal branch, the first nonlinear component is a negative-positive-negative (NPN) transistor comprising a first base, a first emitter, and a first collector;
• wherein the first base is connected to the single-ended input via the first filter, the first emitter is grounded, and the first collector is connected to the one of the differential outputs via the second filter;
• and
• wherein, in the second signal branch, the second nonlinear component is a positive-negative-positive (PNP) transistor comprising a second base, a second emitter, and a second collector;
• wherein the second base is connected to the single-ended input via the third filter, the second collector is grounded, and the second emitter is connected to the other of the differential outputs via the fourth filter.

A frequency multiplier configured to generate differential output signals from a single-ended input signal, the frequency multiplier comprising:

• a single-ended input to receive the input signal with a frequency of f0;
• differential outputs to provide the differential output signals;
• a first signal branch connected to the single-ended input and one of the differential outputs, wherein the first signal branch comprises a first filter, a first nonlinear component, and a second filter;
• and
• a second signal branch connected to the single-ended input and another one of the differential outputs, wherein the second signal branch comprises a third filter, a second nonlinear component, and a fourth filter;
• wherein the first filter and the third filter each has a center frequency of f0 and is either a low pass or bandpass filter;
• wherein the second filter and the fourth filter each has a center frequency of 2nf0 and is either a high pass or bandpass filter;
• wherein the first and second nonlinear components are configured such that even-order harmonics generated in the first and second nonlinear components are in anti-phase and the differential output signals are generated with a frequency of 2n times the frequency of the input signal at the differential outputs, wherein n is an integer number;
• wherein the first and second nonlinear components are metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) transistors with different types;
• wherein, in the first signal branch, the first nonlinear component is an N-type metal-oxide-semiconductor (NMOS) transistor comprising a first gate, a first source, and a first drain;
• wherein the first gate is connected to the single-ended input via the first filter, the first source is grounded, and the first drain is connected to the one of the differential outputs via the second filter;
• and
• wherein, in the second signal branch, the second nonlinear component is a p-channel metal-oxide semiconductor (PMOS) transistor comprising a second gate, a second source, and a second drain;
• wherein the second gate is connected to the single-ended input via the third filter, the second drain is grounded, and the second source is connected to the other of the differential outputs via the fourth filter.