Low-noise X-band Oscillator and Amplifier Technologies: Comparison and Status
Abstract
This study compares the phase noise of different classes of oscillators and amplifiers that work at X-band. Best-in-class results are presented based on recent measurements at NIST. In particular, comparisons are made between mature technologies of multiplied quartz, sapphire dielectric in whispering gallery mode (WGM), and air-dielectric-resonator stabilized RF oscillators in contrast to various configurations of optical electronic oscillators (OEO), cavity-stabilized, and atom-stabilized optical-domain oscillators and femtosecond-laser-comb frequency synthesizers. This study also reports the status of classes of low-noise X-band amplifiers, since high-spectral-purity oscillators are constrained by amplifiers to varying degrees. Best-available low-noise X-band commercial amplifiers are compared with new feedforward, feedback, and array-gain test devices. Straight HBT (heterojunction bipolar transistors) and SiGe HBT technologies are compared in terms of phase noise. Results are for an operating frequency of 10 GHz.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA484989
Entities
People
- A. Hati
- D. A. Howe
Organizations
- National Institute of Standards and Technology