Microwave integrated circuit double balanced mixer
AssigneeMicrowave Associates, Inc.
InventorCharles D. Buntschuh
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Double-balanced mixers of the star-configuration type for microwave-frequency electromagnetic waves have a balanced four-wire line realized with a pair of wires on each side of a dielectric substrate, means to feed a first-frequency wave to the line in a parallel-mode, and means to feed a second-frequency wave to the line in a transverse-mode. These waves may be RF and LO signals, respectively, or vice versa. A common star-configuration point is provided, and four diodes in a star configuration are connected to it, one from each wire. IF output is between the common star-configuration point and a common reference terminal (e.g.: ground) for the mixer. The mixer can be fed from balanced or unbalanced RF and/or LO input lines.
Claims10
A double-balanced mixer of the star-configuration type for microwave-frequency electromagnetic waves comprising, a sheet of dielectric substrate, two electrical conductors on each side of said substrate forming a balanced four-wire line in a substantially rectangular configuration, first terminal means coupled to said line in a parallel mode, second terminal means coupled to said line in a transverse-mode, a common star-configuration point electrically available from both sides of said substrate in the vicinity of said four-wire line, four non-linear devices connected two in series defining an intermediate terminal therebetween and with the two connected between the two conductors on each side of said substrate and having their respective intermediate terminals connected to said common point, a common reference terminal for said four-wire line, and third terminal means connected between said common point and said common reference terminal.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.