Non-linear avalanche region analysis in Read impatt oscillators

Abstract

The non-linear Read equation for avalanche generated current density is solved self consistently by an intuitive functional relationship between current and electric field. It is shown that the solution obtained here corresponds to known results derived in the literature under appropriate conditions of small and large signal levels. Thus, the justification of the initial assumption and the validity of the solution are ascertained based on a posteriori arguments. The effect of junction temperature on the large signal performance of Si and GaAs 62 GHz lo-hi-lo impatt oscillators is studied using this analysis. It is suggested that the poor performance of millimetre wave GaAs diodes might be due to the junction temperature rise. © 1984 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.