W-band synthesized signal generator using fundamental voltage controlled oscillators

The architecture and implementation of a W-Band signal generator are described. The architecture presented highlights the developmental areas of: the signal source, frequency control, output control and modulation. Voltage controlled oscillators (VCOs) were developed to provide frequency agility, to enhance the viability of frequency modulation (FM) characteristics, and to improve weight and power management requirements. Frequency control and phase coherence were achieved through the exploitation of digital phase lock loop (PLL) techniques. PIN diode attenuators that were developed cover the entire W-Band and provide the capacity for output level control. Additionally, the attenuators provide the capacity for amplitude modulation (AM) and pulse modulation (PM) because of the attenuation flatness (<5 dB), large dynamic range (>40 dB) and modulation bandwidth. A prototype has been developed to demonstrate the feasibility. The final implementation will be integrated into a C-sized VXI module chassis.