Characterization of (Mg1-xZnx)TiO3 ceramics-based DRO as a potential silent oscillator in S-band radar system

Abstract

This paper describes an effort to develop a DRO module as a silent oscillator candidate in the S-band radar system using (Mg_1-xZn_x)TiO₃ ceramic with x(Zn) = 0.05–0.45 (Hereinafter referred to as MZT0.05–MZT0.45) as the resonator material. To improve the DRO’s characteristics—particularly its output power—above zero, efforts were made by employing the ceramic pucks with an 8-mm diameter. The ceramics underwent five hours of sintered heat at 1300 °C. XRD, SEM–EDX, and Network Analyzer were used to examine the ceramics’ structure, microstructure, and dielectric properties. The N9020A MXA Spectrum Analyzer in transverse electric (TE_01δ) mode was used to measure the DRO properties. The DRO resonant frequency was recorded as stable for one hour at 3.35–3.38 GHz with positive output power (+ 3.57)–(+ 3.95) dBm, narrow bandwidth (58 kHz) and low phase noise (− 62.9)–(− 68.3) dBc/Hz at 100, 300, 700 kHz and 3 MHz offset frequencies. Temperature stability of the resonance frequency was attained after conducting continuous measurements from 25 to 65 °C. These data reveals that the MZT0.05–MZT0.45 ceramics are promising DRO materials for using as a silent resonator in S-band radar system.