First fully CAE of a K-band sampling phase detector using periodic steady state analysis and sophisticated SRD-modelling

A K-band sampling phase detector for application in the frequency generation section of advanced microwave frequency sources has been developed. The article focusses on the extensive use of modern CAE tools based on precise diode parameter extraction and modelling, that leads to an excellent agreement between simulation and measurement results. By using the periodic steady-state analysis (PSS) under SpectreRF from Cadence® we achieved a breakthrough for our circuit which could not be simulated up to now. The core of the sampling phase detector consists of a driving inductor, a step-recovery-diode (SRD), coupling capacitors and a series pair of schottky diodes. The signals, caused by the switching pulse, are calculated in frequency and time domain. Phase detector output voltage and bandwidth are predetermined. The computed waveforms are compared with measured data of the device.