Abstract: A high density electronic switching matrix (ESM) includes several splitting modules (200) arranged along a first axis, each including a signal input (202) and several splitter outputs (204). The ESM (500, 600) further includes several switching modules (400) arranged along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. Each switching module (400) includes switching inputs (402) coupled individually to an output of each of the splitting modules (200). The ESM (500, 600) is further characterized by couplings between the splitter modules and the switching modules. The couplings are formed by mating male and female connectors (300) integrated into the splitting modules and the switching modules. The couplings support extremely high frequency operation. The splitting modules (200) and the switching modules (400) may thus be coupled closely together to form a dense, high frequency, switching matrix, and may be stacked upon one another.

Abstract: Improved output power performance is obtained in a millimeter-wave integrated-circuit (MIC) voltage-controlled oscillator by forming an output circuit and a bias input circuit in a suspended stripline configuration, which is subject to relatively low losses compared with microstrip designs. A Gunn diode and a varactor diode are mounted in alignment and in close proximity to each other. The suspended microstrip configuration includes a suspended substrate with a Gunn diode output circuit and a bias input circuit on one side, and a varactor diode grounding pad on the other face of the substrate. A sliding short-circuit device aligned with the Gunn diode output circuit provides tuning of the oscillator over a relatively wide range, and avoids having to trim the Gunn diode circuit components for final adjustment of the frequency.