查看文章

A BJT, an inductor, and an RTD are configured to define a negative resistance oscillator circuit that is suitable for monolithic integration. The BJT is forward biased so that the RTD operates at a DC operating point (I Q, V Q) on its characteristic IV curve in its negative differential resistance region. The thermal noise inherent in the circuit causes it to start oscillating about the DC operating point (I Q, V Q) where the RTD's negative resistance R n provides positive feedback that amplifies the oscillations until equilibrium is established thereby producing a sinusoidal waveform. The low power BJT/RTD oscillator operates at power levels approximately one-tenth those of known integrated feedback oscillators and oscillates at frequencies in the hundreds of Ghz range that are currently only achievable using waveguide oscillators.