(A) study on novel planar oscillators with reduced phase noise and improved harmonic characteristics based on various resonator structures

Abstract

Microwave oscillators, which act as reference signal generation circuit components in most RF systems, have many key design parameters such as phase noise and DC-RF conversion efficiency. Because the phase noise of an oscillator circuit directly determines the interference between the communication channels, the importance of low phase noise oscillator circuit design cannot be overestimated. The high DC to RF conversion efficiency in oscillator circuit should also be considered in oscillator design in order to achieve the longer battery life time and stable transceiver operation. In this study, we present novel phase noise reduction methods based on various novel planar resonator components which have their respective mechanisms for achieving higher Q than those of other conventional planar resonators. In terms of efficiency characteristics, we present the comparative results of efficiency enhancements which are originated from the spurious-free resonance characteristics of these resonators. Both phase noise reduction and efficiency enhancement of an oscillator circuit are effectively achieved by only introducing novel resonator structures with very little chip size increment. In order to maintain the compatibility with MMIC’s or PCB processes, the planarity of the circuits are strictly kept throughout the all of the circuits.