Welcome to the new version of CaltechAUTHORS. Login is currently restricted to library staff. If you notice any issues, please email coda@library.caltech.edu
Published March 1, 2000 | public
Journal Article Open

Oscillator phase noise: a tutorial

Abstract

Linear time-invariant (LTI) phase noise theories provide important qualitative design insights but are limited in their quantitative predictive power. Part of the difficulty is that device noise undergoes multiple frequency translations to become oscillator phase noise. A quantitative understanding of this process requires abandoning the principle of time invariance assumed in most older theories of phase noise. Fortunately, the noise-to-phase transfer function of oscillators is still linear, despite the existence of the nonlinearities necessary for amplitude stabilization. In addition to providing a quantitative reconciliation between theory and measurement, the time-varying phase noise model presented in this tutorial identifies the importance of symmetry in suppressing the upconversion of 1/f noise into close-in phase noise, and provides an explicit appreciation of cyclostationary effects and AM-PM conversion. These insights allow a reinterpretation of why the Colpitts oscillator exhibits good performance, and suggest new oscillator topologies. Tuned LC and ring oscillator circuit examples are presented to reinforce the theoretical considerations developed. Simulation issues and the accommodation of amplitude noise are considered in appendixes.

Additional Information

© Copyright 2000 IEEE. Reprinted with permission. Manuscript received August 16, 1999; revised October 29, 1999. The authors are grateful to Prof. D. Leeson of Stanford University for his gracious assistance and encouragement when the LTV theory was in its formative stages; and to Prof. J. White of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology for sharing his insights about modeling in general and phase-noise simulation in particular.

Files

LEEieeejssc00.pdf
Files (206.7 kB)
Name Size Download all
md5:a41143afef5fec5322274bbddf604c4f
206.7 kB Preview Download

Additional details

Created:
August 21, 2023
Modified:
October 16, 2023