Name: Non-Linear Frequency Multipliers
Brand: Microsource

Signal chains

Engineered for high-frequency signal generation paths

Frequency multipliers are used when a fundamental source alone cannot economically or spectrally deliver the required output tone. They are standard building blocks in local oscillator chains, where broadband operation and low residual phase noise preserve system noise budgets. Suppressing sub-harmonics and out-of-band products is a first-order design concern, alongside passband flatness and usable output power. Depending on efficiency targets, implementations may emphasize balanced passive structures or add active stages where conversion gain matters.

Extension, not replacement: multiply from a stable drive when direct synthesis or fundamental sources are impractical at the target band.
LO-centric thinking: multipliers commonly sit between a reference or tunable source and mixers, converters, and distribution.
Architecture tradeoffs: multiplication modulus, filtering depth, and passive vs. active stages are balanced against bandwidth, suppression, and output power.

Capabilities

What we deliver

Multiplier behavior is band- and plan-specific—representative configurations illustrate the engineering trade space.

Broadband Frequency Extension

Microwave multiplier cores that cover wide fractional bandwidths when the plan allows, using balanced diode architectures and broadband baluns to support multi-octave or multi-band operation.

Low Residual Phase Noise

Designs intended to preserve the quality of the drive—multiplication adds residual noise in a way that must be managed alongside filtering and output conditioning.

Sub-Harmonic Suppression

Harmonic and sub-harmonic products are addressed through topology and, where needed, switched-band band-pass filtering to keep the output spectrum clean.

Integrated Filtering

Filtered output chains—including switched band-pass paths—help isolate the desired multiplied product from adjacent spurious and harmonic content.

Multiple Multiplication Factors

Different multiplication moduli (x2, x3, and combined multi-band paths) are used to match input frequency, output band, and efficiency requirements.

Harsh-Environment Packaging Options

Hermetic and non-hermetic builds, connector families, plating and finish choices, and screening options align to platform environmental and interface requirements.

Architecture

Implementation and building blocks

Microsource frequency multipliers combine nonlinear microwave structures with balanced excitation, filtering, and—when needed—active gain to deliver usable broadband power with controlled spectral content.

Balanced diode multiplier architectures

Many designs use balanced diode structures to improve symmetry, drive efficiency, and rejection of unwanted products relative to single-ended approaches.

Broadband balun structures

Baluns convert single-ended drive to balanced excitation across the multiplier core, supporting broadband operation over the intended input band.

Filtered output chains

Switched band-pass filtering and post-multiplier filtering mitigate sub-harmonics and spurious emissions, especially when the output band spans multiple octaves or adjacent services are sensitive to leakage.

Active multiplier approaches

When conversion efficiency and output power are limiting, active multiplier stages can be employed to recover loss and meet amplitude targets while maintaining the overall spectral plan.

Family model numbering

Designations follow G-MFXA-XX-YY-ZZZ: A is the frequency multiplication modulus; XX and YY are the lowest and highest output frequency in GHz (leading zero below 10 GHz); ZZZ is a Microsource-assigned option number.

Example: G-MFX3-20-50-000 — x3 multiplier covering 20–50 GHz output (illustrative of the naming scheme).

Applications

Where multipliers are used

Typical roles for broadband multiplier modules in deployed and test hardware.

Local Oscillator Chains

Extending a fundamental or synthesizer drive into higher bands for mixer and converter LO ports.

Radar Systems

LO generation and extension for coherent and imaging radar front ends where band plan and spur budgets are strict.

Electronic Warfare

Fast-set, broadband multiplier paths that support threat-relevant bands when integrated with sources and conditioning.

Satellite Communications

Ground and payload-adjacent chains where multiplied LOs must coexist with tight link budgets and spurious limits.

Frequency Conversion Paths

Upstream of mixers and converters—multipliers raise the tone before translation or distribution.

High-Frequency Test Subsystems

Bench and production test setups that need stable multiplied tones for stimulus and reference paths.

Configurations

Representative configurations

Common offering patterns—specific interfaces, screening, and frequency plans are defined per program.

x2 Broadband Multipliers

Doubler-focused modules for octave-style extension when the input band and spur plan support a single modulus.

x2 / x3 Multi-Band Multipliers

Configurations that switch multiplication path or input sub-band to cover wider output spans with controlled drive levels.

Filtered LO Extension Modules

Multiplier chains with integrated band-pass filtering for LO roles where adjacent-channel rejection is critical.

Active Multiplier Chains

Passive multiplier cores followed by or combined with active stages when output power and conversion efficiency drive the requirement.

Packaged Microwave / mm-Wave Assemblies

Module-level enclosures with defined RF and DC interfaces for chassis integration and environmental qualification.

Custom Connector / Finish / Screening Options

SMA, 2.92 mm, SMP-class interfaces, plating and conversion coatings, and program-specific screening as required.

Representative configurations

Electrical summary

Side-by-side comparison of two documented representative multiplier configurations. Multiplication range, flatness, suppression, and output power must be read together—they trade with filtering depth and bandwidth.

Model	Multiplication	RF input	RF output / bands	P_in	P_out range	Suppression / noise	Flatness / SWR	Supply	Temp	Notes
G-MULT-20-40-000	x2	10.1–20.0 GHz	Band 1: 20.2–25.4 GHz; Band 2: 25.4–32.0 GHz	−10 to 0 dBm	≥ +14 dBm (max amplitude) to −10 dBm (min amplitude)	Sub-harmonic suppression: 50 dBc min; channel noise (1 MHz BW): −70 dBm	4.0 dBp-p / 1 GHz BW; I/O SWR 2.5:1	+5 V: 6.0–6.5 V @ 1000 mA; −5 V: −6 to −8 V @ 50 mA; +10 V: 12–14 V @ 50 mA; −10 V: −12 to −14 V @ 100 mA	−40 to +85 °C	Usable at FIN = 10.0 GHz, FOUT = 20 GHz
G-MULT-20-50-000	x2 / x3 (multi-band)	10.1–19.8 GHz	20.2–50.1 GHz overall. Band 1 (x2): input 10.1–14.1 GHz; Band 2 (x2): input 14.1–19.8 GHz; Band 3 (x3): input 13.2–16.7 GHz	−10 to 0 dBm	≥ +13 dBm (max amplitude) to −5 dBm (min amplitude)	Sub-harmonic suppression: 40 dBc min; channel noise (1 MHz BW): −65 dBm	4.0 dBp-p / 1 GHz BW; I/O SWR 2.5:1	+5 V: 6.0–6.5 V @ 700 mA; −5 V: −6 to −8 V @ 600 mA; +10 V: 12–14 V @ 50 mA; −10 V: −12 to −14 V @ 100 mA	−40 to +85 °C	60 dBc sub-harmonic suppression nominal; usable at FIN = 10.0 GHz, FOUT = 20 GHz

G-MULT-20-40-000
Multiplication	x2
RF input	10.1–20.0 GHz
RF output / bands	Band 1: 20.2–25.4 GHz; Band 2: 25.4–32.0 GHz
P_in	−10 to 0 dBm
P_out range	≥ +14 dBm (max amplitude) to −10 dBm (min amplitude)
Suppression / noise	Sub-harmonic suppression: 50 dBc min; channel noise (1 MHz BW): −70 dBm
Flatness / SWR	4.0 dBp-p / 1 GHz BW; I/O SWR 2.5:1
Supply	+5 V: 6.0–6.5 V @ 1000 mA; −5 V: −6 to −8 V @ 50 mA; +10 V: 12–14 V @ 50 mA; −10 V: −12 to −14 V @ 100 mA
Temp	−40 to +85 °C
Notes	Usable at FIN = 10.0 GHz, FOUT = 20 GHz

G-MULT-20-50-000
Multiplication	x2 / x3 (multi-band)
RF input	10.1–19.8 GHz
RF output / bands	20.2–50.1 GHz overall. Band 1 (x2): input 10.1–14.1 GHz; Band 2 (x2): input 14.1–19.8 GHz; Band 3 (x3): input 13.2–16.7 GHz
P_in	−10 to 0 dBm
P_out range	≥ +13 dBm (max amplitude) to −5 dBm (min amplitude)
Suppression / noise	Sub-harmonic suppression: 40 dBc min; channel noise (1 MHz BW): −65 dBm
Flatness / SWR	4.0 dBp-p / 1 GHz BW; I/O SWR 2.5:1
Supply	+5 V: 6.0–6.5 V @ 700 mA; −5 V: −6 to −8 V @ 600 mA; +10 V: 12–14 V @ 50 mA; −10 V: −12 to −14 V @ 100 mA
Temp	−40 to +85 °C
Notes	60 dBc sub-harmonic suppression nominal; usable at FIN = 10.0 GHz, FOUT = 20 GHz

Representative configurations shown. Final multiplication range, filtering strategy, output flatness, and packaging depend on the frequency plan and application requirements.

Measured data

Output spectrum results

Representative measured output-spectrum checkpoints for the published multiplier configurations below. These are the drive/output pairs called out in the MSI catalog and shown with imported spectrum plots from the representative devices.

G-MULT-20-40-000

Two-band x2 architecture intended to extend a 10.1-20.0 GHz drive into the 20.2-40.0 GHz region while maintaining sub-harmonic suppression and usable flatness across the published passbands.

Input	Output	Why this point matters
10.1 GHz	20.2 GHz	Lower-band multiplication checkpoint
12.7 GHz	25.4 GHz	Band split / transition checkpoint
16.0 GHz	32.0 GHz	Upper-band mid-span checkpoint
20.0 GHz	40.0 GHz	Upper-edge output checkpoint

Sub-harmonics at FIN = 10.1 GHz, FOUT = 20.2 GHz

Sub-harmonics at FIN = 12.7 GHz, FOUT = 25.4 GHz

Sub-harmonics at FIN = 16.0 GHz, FOUT = 32.0 GHz

Sub-harmonics at FIN = 20.0 GHz, FOUT = 40.0 GHz

G-MULT-20-50-000

Multi-band x2/x3 architecture used to extend the available output range to 50 GHz, with published checkpoints spanning both doubled and tripled output paths.

Input	Output	Why this point matters
10.1 GHz	20.2 GHz	Lower-edge x2 checkpoint
14.2 GHz	28.4 GHz	Upper x2 band checkpoint
14.8 GHz	44.4 GHz	x3 band checkpoint
16.67 GHz	50.0 GHz	Upper-edge x3 checkpoint

Sub-harmonics at FIN = 14.2 GHz, FOUT = 28.4 GHz

Sub-harmonics at FIN = 14.8 GHz, FOUT = 44.4 GHz

Sub-harmonics at FIN = 16.67 GHz, FOUT = 50.0 GHz

Representative measured output-spectrum checkpoints from the MSI catalog. These plots illustrate sub-harmonic suppression behavior at the published drive and output frequency pairs.

System context

Where frequency multipliers fit

A multiplier extends a lower-frequency source; converters translate bands; filters and amplifiers clean and condition the chain before and after mixing.

Source
A DRO, YIG oscillator, or synthesizer provides a fundamental or tunable tone.
Multiplier
Extends that tone to a higher microwave or mm-wave band for LO or stimulus use.
Converter
Mixers and frequency converters translate to IF or other bands as the architecture requires.
Filter / amplifier
Band definition, spur control, and gain staging complete the path.

Component roles at a glance:

Component	Primary role	Typical use
DRO / YIG / synthesizer	Generate the source frequency	Fundamental LO or reference generation
Frequency multiplier	Extend frequency upward	Higher-band LO generation and mm-wave extension
Frequency converter	Translate between bands	Up/down conversion around a stable LO
Filter / amplifier	Condition the signal	Cleanup, selectivity, and gain

Packaging

Representative packaging and material notes

Mechanical and materials data for G-MULT-20-40-000 and G-MULT-20-50-000—confirm interfaces and finishes on your program documentation.

G-MULT-20-40-000

Dimensions: 4.40" (L) × 1.59" (W) × 0.76" (H)
Housing / inner cover: aluminum alloy 6061-T6, soft electroless gold plate over electroless nickel plate
Outer cover: aluminum alloy 4047, chemical conversion coated per MIL-DTL-5541F
RF connections: SMA, 2.92 mm, SMPM or equivalent
DC pins: soft electroless gold over Kovar (Fe-Ni-Co alloy) or equivalent

G-MULT-20-50-000

Dimensions: 4.80" (L) × 1.59" (W) × 0.76" (H)
Housing / inner cover: aluminum alloy 6061-T6, soft electroless gold plate over electroless nickel plate
Outer cover: aluminum alloy 4047, chemical conversion coated per MIL-DTL-5541F
RF connections: SMA, 2.92 mm, SMPM or equivalent
DC pins: soft electroless gold over Kovar (Fe-Ni-Co alloy) or equivalent

ADVANCED CAPABILITY

Discrete Multiplier Architectures to 50 GHz

Custom harmonic control and high-frequency performance beyond MMIC limits

While most applications are best served by MMIC-based multiplier designs for cost and repeatability, certain high-frequency and performance-sensitive applications require a discrete approach.

Microsource maintains the capability to design and build discrete frequency multipliers operating to 50 GHz and beyond, enabling precise control over harmonic generation, filtering, and spurious response.

This capability reflects deep expertise in microwave circuit design, materials, and high-frequency layout, not just component integration.

MMIC solutions are unavailable or bandwidth-limited
Harmonic content must be tightly controlled
Spurious performance must be engineered at the circuit level
Custom frequency plans require non-standard multiplication schemes

Discrete Q-band frequency multiplier with integrated filtering and microstrip architecture — Discrete Q-band frequency multiplier (tripler with integrated filtering) demonstrating harmonic control and microstrip-based architecture.

DISCRETE VS. MMIC APPROACHES

MMIC-Based Multipliers

Lower cost
Compact, production-ready
Fast deployment

Discrete Architectures

Higher frequency reach (to 50 GHz+)
Custom harmonic shaping
Optimized spurious performance
Greater design flexibility

Why Microsource

Source-chain engineering at system depth

Microsource brings long experience across microwave sources, multipliers, converters, filters, and integrated assemblies—so multiplier choices are made in the context of real LO plans, environmental limits, and interface constraints. We routinely integrate filtering and output conditioning with multiplier cores, and we support harsh-environment packaging, screening, and plating options when programs require them.

Adjacent product families

Multipliers pair naturally with tunable sources and converters in the same signal chain.

NEXT STEP

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