Despite being an older, established technology, demand continues for wideband high-frequency oscillators based on the venerable Gunn diode. Sadly, designing and building such oscillators is a skill that seems to be waning these days.
Today’s younger engineers turn increasingly to newer technologies when designing oscillators. In addition, they rely more on analog simulation tools to iron out the intricacies of the circuits. Meanwhile, older engineers who might have previous experience working with Gunn diodes are in the twilight of their careers, putting at risk the retention of their knowledge for the industry at large.