Frequency Modulation of Avalanche Transit Time Oscillators

Electronic tuning of avalanche transit time oscillators has been treated explicitly by Gilden and Hines and both theoretically and experimentally by others. Since moderate output power from these devices is now being realized, the ease of electronic tunability suggests their use as transmitters in miniature solid state altimeters and low power communication systems. This paper presents experimental data taken to determine the frequency modulation characteristics of avalanche transit time oscillators.