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Ultralow-phase-noise oscillators based on BAW resonators.
Summary
Two novel 2.1-GHz oscillators using Bulk Acoustic Wave (BAW) resonators were developed. The differential Colpitts oscillator achieved superior low phase noise performance compared to the single-ended design, suitable for micro-atomic clocks.
Area of Science:
- Electrical Engineering
- RF and Microwave Engineering
- Solid-State Devices
Background:
- Phase noise is a critical parameter in oscillator design, impacting signal integrity.
- Bulk Acoustic Wave (BAW) resonators offer high-quality factor for frequency stabilization.
- BiCMOS technology provides a suitable platform for integrated oscillator circuits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and implement two 2.1-GHz low-phase noise oscillators using BAW resonators.
- To compare the performance of a single-ended common base and a differential Colpitts oscillator structure.
- To evaluate the potential application of these oscillators in micro-atomic clocks.
Main Methods:
- Implementation of single-ended common base and differential Colpitts oscillator structures in a 0.25-μm BiCMOS process.
- Detailed design, optimization, and testing of BAW resonator-based oscillators.
- Comparative analysis of phase noise, power consumption, and output power between the two structures.
Main Results:
- The differential Colpitts oscillator demonstrated a 6.5 dB lower phase noise than the single-ended design.
- Achieved phase noise of -87 dBc/Hz at 1-kHz offset and a phase noise floor of -162 dBc/Hz for the differential Colpitts structure.
- Both oscillators showed promising phase noise performance compared to existing literature, with low power consumption (21.6 mW).
Conclusions:
- The differential Colpitts structure offers superior phase noise immunity and performance.
- The developed BAW oscillators are suitable for applications requiring high frequency stability, such as micro-atomic clocks.
- Optimization techniques enhance the phase noise performance of BAW oscillators in BiCMOS technology.
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