Nonlinear-transmission-line harmonic generator

Abstract

In a study of harmonic generation, with particular reference to efficiency and bandwidth, an analysis has been made of the way a given harmonic grows in amplitude as a wave, which is initially a sine wave, propagates along a nonlinear transmission line. This analysis is presented and is then extended to take into account the low-pass nature of a practical lumped-parameter transmission line. Experimental verification is given of the predicted performance when the fundamental frequency of the propagating waveform is significant with respect to the cutoff frequency of the line. Under these circumstances, the amplitude of a harmonic may grow and subsequently decay as it propagates along the line. The existence of a spatially periodic pattern of harmonic amplitude is predicted, with an energy interchange between fundamental and harmonic components.