Low phase noise oscillators: Theory and application

This paper reviews a linear model and theory for the design of low phase noise oscillators. A description of how an oscillator works and the important parameters are then described in detail. A set of design rules are developed for fixed frequency and tunable oscillators. A number of resonators which use the theory to produce oscillators which demonstrate phase noise performance usually within 0 to 1 dB of the theoretical minimum are described. Some of the oscillators demonstrate the best phase noise performance available.