Phase noise performance of analog frequency dividers

Area of Science:

• Electrical Engineering
• Signal Processing
• RF Engineering

Background:

• Digital frequency dividers using Transistor-Transistor Logic (TTL) and Emitter-Coupled Logic (ECL) have limitations in phase noise performance.
• Analog frequency division techniques offer potential for improved spectral purity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the phase noise performance of silicon and GaAs-based digital logic level frequency dividers.
• To evaluate the spectral performance of analog parametric and regenerative frequency dividers.
• To determine the suitability of analog dividers for wideband and modular applications.

Main Methods:

• Discussed phase noise in silicon and GaAs-based TTL and ECL digital frequency dividers.
• Measured spectral performance of a varactor diode-based parametric divider.
• Measured spectral performance of a regenerative-type divider with a double-balanced mixer in the oscillator feedback circuit.
• Configured both analog dividers for divide-by-two operation at VHF.

Main Results:

• Regenerative dividers demonstrated substantially lower phase noise than conventional digital logic level devices.
• The regenerative divider operated effectively over bandwidths exceeding an octave.
• The regenerative divider design is suitable for small, modular packaging (e.g., TO-8).

Conclusions:

• Regenerative frequency dividers provide superior phase noise performance compared to digital TTL and ECL devices.
• The regenerative divider's wide bandwidth and modular design make it a versatile solution for RF applications.
• Operating frequencies for regenerative dividers are limited only by the mixer and RF amplifier, extending from HF through microwave.