Parallel configuration for conjugate regenerative dividers

In this paper we discuss an alternate design of a self-starting conjugate regenerative divider (CRD), which uses two parallel loops instead of one series loop as in conventional regenerative divider. This is accomplished by making the first loop oscillate at one conjugate frequency while the second loop oscillates at the other conjugate frequency, for example ν/4 and 3ν/4. As before the two conjugate frequencies are harmonically related and sum to the input frequency. The advantages of this new configuration are that one can optimize each loop for phase shift, gain, and noise performance and that the individual amplifiers do not have to span the entire bandwidth of the two conjugate frequencies. A prototype of the divide-by-four circuit has been constructed for input frequencies of 400 MHz as well as for 10 GHz.