Low-noise SAW resonator oscillators

Abstract

The design and performance of surface acoustic wave (SAW) resonator oscillators using techniques for obtaining low phase noise levels are described. These oscillators are very low phase noise engineering prototypes which also meet other vital system requirements, such as temperature stability and vibration sensitivity. A 500-MHz version has a phase noise floor of -177 dBc/Hz and a flicker noise level of -132 dBc/Hz at 1 kHz offset. An L-band (frequency-doubled) version has noise levels of -171 dBc/Hz and -126 dBc/Hz, respectively. Other important performance parameters that are discussed include: temperature dependence of frequency and output power, vibration sensitivity, frequency tuning characteristics, spurious levels, load pulling, voltage pushing and long-term frequency stability.<>