Regenerative Fractional Frequency Generators

A new regenerative frequency divider circuit is presented which offers several advantages over other available circuits. These advantages are large lock-in or "stability" range, ability to produce either relatively constant output or amplitude modulated output, circuit simplicity and the fact that it is self-starting. An approximate nonlinear analysis is given which provides a reasonable prediction of the operation. This analysis is a quasi-linear, semigraphical technique which clearly shows the dependence upon diode characteristics and transistor input impedance. Results are also given for harmonic generation, in order to actually give a fractional frequency output and not merely a subharmonic.