High-Frequency High-Power Operation of Tunnel Diodes

The operation of oscillators using high-current tunnel diodes above their self-resonant frequency is presented. General stability conditions of the tunnel diode, including external circuits (lumped and distributed), are discussed. Based on a nonlinear analysis of a tunnel-diode oscillator, the power generated by the diode, the power dissipated within the diode and the power delivered to an external load are calculated as a function of frequency and loading conditions. For operation above the self-resonant frequency, the suppression of unwanted LF oscillations is necessary. Experimental results of an oscillator circuit operating at 2-3 Gc with the suppression of LF oscillation are described. Data on the high-current tunnel diodes used are given.