Synthesis of Distributed Phase-Locked Oscillators

This paper describes a type of distributed oscillator which combines the functions of distributed amplifiers (DAs), distributed transversal filters (DTFs), and distributed mixers (DMs). Nonlinear feedback of the kind used in mode-locked laser (MLL) systems is used in order to obtain phase locking between the resonant frequencies within the oscillator. The theory of operation is given and a tuning procedure for the tap weights of the distributed oscillator aimed at achieving a desired state of oscillation is presented. The impact that the nonideal components of the oscillator have on its performance is discussed. Through simulation it is shown that the effects of transmission line loss, uneven tap weight spacing and terminal impedance mismatch can be mitigated by properly adjusting the tap weights of the oscillator. Examples of waveform synthesis are given in which different periodic waveforms are produced by the oscillator including those found in an MLL and a waveform suitable for impulse based ultra-wideband systems.