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NLTL-6273S
GaAs MMIC Non-Linear Transmission Line
NLTL-6273 is a MMIC non-linear transmission line (NLTL) based comb generator. This NLTL offers excellent phase noise performance over a low 0.7 to 5 GHz input frequency range with output tones beyond 40 GHz. NLTL-6273 is fabricated with GaAs Schottky diode based varactors on a 2.28 mm x 3.13 mm substrate. Both wire bondable die and connectorized modules are available.
| Parameter | Typ | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Input Power | 16 to 26 | dBm |
| Output Frequency Range | 0.7 to 40 | GHz |
| Input Frequency Range | 0.7 to 5 | GHz |
Summary only – refer to the Electrical Specifications, Absolute Maximum Ratings, and Recommended Operating Range tables for complete details.
| Part Number | Description | Package | Connectors | Green Status | Product Lifecycle | Export Classification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NLTL-6273S | GaAs MMIC Non-Linear Transmission Line | S | Standard | RoHS REACH | Released | EAR99 |
The electrical specifications apply at TA=+25°C in a 50Ω system. Typical data shown is for the NLTL used in the forward direction with a +20 dBm sine wave input. Min and Max limits apply only to our connectorized units and are guaranteed at Tau=+25°C. All bare die are 100% DC tested and visually inspected.
| Parameter | Test Conditions | Minimum Frequency (GHz) | Maximum Frequency (GHz) | Min | Typ | Max | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Input Frequency Range | - | - | - | 0.7 | - | 5 | GHz |
| Input Power | - | - | - | 16 | - | 26 | dBm |
| Maximum Output Harmonic for given Input | 1 GHz Input | - | - | - | - | 30 | - |
| Maximum Output Harmonic for given Input | 2 GHz Input | - | - | - | - | 17 | - |
| Maximum Output Harmonic for given Input | 4 GHz Input | - | - | - | - | 10 | - |
| Maximum Output Harmonic for given Input | 5 GHz Input | - | - | - | - | 8 | - |
| Maximum Output Harmonic for given Input | Input=0.7 GHz | - | - | - | - | 10 | - |
| Output Frequency Range | - | - | - | 0.7 | - | 40 | GHz |
The Recommended Operating Conditions indicate the limits, inside which the device should be operated, to guarantee the performance given in Electrical Specifications Operating outside these limits may not necessarily cause damage to the device, but the performance may degrade outside the limits of the electrical specifications. For limits, above which damage may occur, see Absolute Maximum Ratings.
| Parameter | Min | Nominal | Max | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ambient Temperature | -55 | 25 | 100 | °C |
| Input Power | 16 | - | 26 | dBm |
The Absolute Maximum Ratings indicate limits beyond which damage may occur to the device. If these limits are exceeded, the device may be inoperable or have a reduced lifetime.
| Parameter | Maximum Rating | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Operating Temperature | 100 | °C |
| Maximum Storage Temperature | 125 | °C |
| Minimum Operating Temperature | -55 | °C |
| Minimum Storage Temperature | -65 | °C |
| Parameter | Details | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Package name: S | 10g |
| Dimensions | - | 13.21 x 14.22 mm |
This is a passive NLTL that requires no external DC bias. Self-bias of the diodes is sufficient for operation. It is not required, but is recommended to provide a 50Ω termination to each port before applying RF power.
A top-down view of the NLTL-6273’s CH package outline drawing is shown below. The NLTL should only be used in the forward direction, with the input and output ports given in Port Functions.
| Port | Function | Connector Type | Description | DC Equivalent Circuit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GND | Ground | - | S package ground provided through metal housing and outer coax conductor. |  |
| Port 1 | Input | SMAF | Port 1 is diode connected for the CH package and DC short for the S package. |  |
| Port 2 | Output | 2.92F | Port 2 is diode connected for the CH and DC open for the S package. |  |
NLTL-6273 belongs to Marki Microwave’s NLTL family of multipliers and non-linear transmission lines. The NLTL product line consists of passive GaAs MMIC non-linear transmission lines designed and fabricated with GaAs Schottky diode based varactors. NLTLs take an input signal and create an impulse train of harmonics. Harmonic outputs up to and beyond 40 GHz are generated by the NLTL. The NLTL-6273SM is the packaged 5 mm QFN version of the NLTL-6273CH.
Port 1 supports L and S band input signals. Port 2 will output integer multiples of the input signal (i.e., x2, x3, x4, …, x30) up to the 30th output harmonic or a maximum of 40 GHz. Higher harmonics can be generated but will be at a lower efficiency.
The operating conditions of the NLTL are extremely important to optimize performance. High power inputs will increase the output power observed; however, the conversion efficiency will decrease. This is increasingly true for higher input frequencies and at input powers above the recommended limit. Optimal conversion efficiency of the NLTL is achieved using a square wave input with a fast rise time. Doing so causes a degradation in the 2nd output harmonic but otherwise improves the conversion efficiency at all other harmonics.
NLTL-6273 requires no external DC bias. The self-bias of the diodes caused by the rectified RF input signal is sufficient for operation. For the best performance, optimization of the DC return path is recommended for each specific application to optimize the harmonic output power distribution.
The phase noise of a non-linear transmission line is outstanding. If verification of performance is necessary, the application circuit used and input conditions are extremely important. NLTLs are AM sensitive. If there is excessive AM noise on the input of the NLTL, observing the output of the NLTL will show excessive PM/phase noise because of the high AM to PM conversion property of NLTLs.
Download : Outline 2D Drawing Outline 3D Drawing Outline 3D STP
| Revision Code | Revision Date | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| - | 2017-08-01 | Datasheet Initial Release |
| A | 2017-09-01 | Minor Clarification/Text Changes |
| B | 2017-10-01 | Corrected typos |
| C | 2019-08-01 | Added DC Current Plot |
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