Phase Noise

This extensive tutorial provides a thorough foundation for the understanding of piezoelectric/crystal resonators properties and behaviors. The table of contents provides insight into just how comprehensive this tutorial is:

1. Applications and Requirements

2. Quartz Crystal Oscillators

3. Quartz Crystal Resonators

4. Oscillator Stability

5. Quartz Material Properties

6. Atomic Frequency Standards

7. Oscillator Comparison and Specification

8. Time and Timekeeping

9. Related Devices and Applications

Tutorials page from the IEEE Ultrasonics, Ferroelectrics and Frequency Control society website. The page lists several free tutorials that are available to download on topics such as low noise oscillators, phase noise, and crystal resonators.

These seminar notes give a good discussion of the principles of phase noise. Specifically the authors describe the difference between measuring phase noise directly or using phase/frequency demodulation techniques. The notes describe details about the limitations and equipment performance requirements for making phase noise measurements using a variety of techniques. Since these notes are from an older archive, the latest techniques involving the use of correlation are not described.

Converting a phase noise specification to jitter is often desirable for digital designers and others used to working in the time domain. This app note describes the principles of phase noise as well as deriving the conversion to jitter. A useful list of references is also included.

This Watkins-Johnson app note describes the factors affecting the dynamic range of receivers. Part 1 focuses on "primary measurements," which include noise figure, IP2, IP3, 1dB compression, phase noise, and internal spurs. The app note is hosted on RF Café.com

These notes from a seminar given by HP in the mid-80's serve as a useful reference for some of the fundamental relationships governing phase noise. Needless to say, some of the most recent techniques in phase noise measurements are not represented, but the mechanisms that generate phase noise are described in useful detail.

This is a detailed article comparing phase noise measurement techniques and their advantages and disadvantages. You will need to be a member of the Microwave Theory and Techniques society of the IEEE to view the article for free. A purchase option may be available if you are not a member.

This book is based on the RF Measurements: Principles and Demonstration course from Besser Associates.