Equipment Required

Gunn Oscillator, Gunn power supply. PIN Modulator, Isolator, FrequencyMeter Variable Attenuator,
Detector Mount, Wave guide Stands, SWR Meter, Cables and accessories

Theory

The Gunn Oscillator is based on negative differential conductivity effect in bulk semiconductors, Which
has two conduction bands minima separated by an energy gap(greater than thermal Agitational
energies). A disturbance at the cathode gives rises to high field region, which travels Towards the anode.
When this high field domain reaches the anode, it disappears and another Domain is formed at the
cathode and starts moving towards anode and so on. The time required For domain to travel from
cathode to anode (transit time) gives oscillation frequency.

In a Gunn Oscillator, the Gunn diode is placed in a resonant cavity. In this case the Oscillation Frequency
is determined by cavity dimension than by diode itself.

Although gunn oscillator can be amplitude-modulated with the bias voltage. We have used Separate PIN
modulator through PIN diode for square wave modulation.

A measure of the square wave modulation capability is the modulation depth ie, the output ratio wat?

Between, 'ON' and 'OFF' state.

Procedure

1. Set the components and equipment as shown in the fig. 1.

2. Initially set the variable attenuator for maximum attenuation. 3. Keep the control of Gun Power
Supply as below:

Meter switch – off

Gunn bias knob - full anticlockwise

PIN bias knob – fully anticlockwise

PIN mod frequency – any position

Switch position – INT

4. Keep the control knob of VSWR meter as below:

Meter Switch - off

Input Switch - Normal

Low Impedence -Range dB Switch. 40 dB

Gain control Knob - Fully Clockwise

5. Set the micrometer of Gunn Oscillator for required frequency of operation.

6. Switch ON the Gunn Power Supply VSWR Meter and Cooling Fan.

7. Turn the meter switch of Gunn Power Supply to voltage position.

8. Measure the Gunn diode current corresponding to the various voltage controlled by Gunn bias knob
through the panel meter and meter switch. Do not exceed the bias

Voltage above 10 volts.

9. Plot the voltage and current reading on the graph as shown in fig. 2

10. Measure the threshold voltage which, corresponds to maximum current.

Observations
I V

0.5 0.09

1 0.23

1.5 0.33

2 0.42

2.5 0.5

3 0.58

3.5 0.62

4 0.64

4.5 0.62

5 0.62

5.5 0.60

6 0.60

6.5 0.56

7 0.56

7.5 0.55

8 0.56

8.5 0.56

9 0.55

9.5 0.55
Inference: