A Phase-Coherent Upconverting Parametric Amplifier

A phase-coherent negative-resistance upconverting parametric amplifier is presented that upconverts to three times the source input frequency and exhibits over 600 MHz, or 33%, fractional usable bandwidth at the upconverted output. An analytical model for the transducer gain is presented, enabling an initial selection of the termination resistors and pump signal. A prototype board was constructed and measured data matches well with both simulated results and those predicted by the analytical model. Simulations, measurements, and the analytic derivation demonstrate that when the source and pump frequencies are phase coherent, it is possible to achieve a transducer gain greater than the theoretical limit imposed by the Manley-Rowe relations for phase-incoherent upconverters.