volume | PIER Journals

Abstract

In this paper, the classic oscillator design methods are reviewed, and their strengths and weaknesses are shown. Provisos for avoiding the misuse of classic methods are also proposed. If the required provisos are satisfied, the solutions provided by the classic methods (oscillator start-up linear approximation) will be correct. The provisos verification needs to use the NDF (Network Determinant Function). The use of the NDF or the most suitable RR_T (Return Relation Transponse), which is directly related to the NDF, as a tool to analyze oscillators leads to a new oscillator design method. The RR_T is the "true" loop-gain of oscillators. The use of the new method is demonstrated with examples. Finally, a comparison of NDF/RR_T results with the HB (Harmonic Balance) simulation and practical implementation measurements prove the universal use of the new methods.

1. Randall, M. and M. J. Hock, "General oscillator characterization using linear open-loop S-parameters," IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques, Vol. 49, No. 6, 1094-1100, 2001.
doi:10.1109/22.925496 Google Scholar

2. Rhea, R. W., Discrete Oscillator Design: Linear, Nonlinear, Transient, and Noise Domains, Artech House Publishers, New York, 2010.

3. Vendelin, G., A. M. Pavio, and U. L. Rohde, Microwave Circuit Design Using Linear and Nonlinear Techniques, John Wiley & Sons, New York, 1990.

4. Maas, S. A., Nonlinear Microwave and RF Circuits, 2nd Ed., Artech House, Norwood, 2003.

5. Surez, A. and S. Qure, Stability Analysis of Nonlinear Microwave Circuits, Artech House, Norwood, 2003.

6. Khanna, A. P. and J. Obregon, "Microwave oscillator analysis," IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques, Vol. 29, No. 6, 606-607, 1981.
doi:10.1109/TMTT.1981.1130401 Google Scholar

7. Alechno, S., "Analysis method characterizes microwave oscillators," Microwaves RF, Vol. 36, No. 11, 82-86, 1997. Google Scholar

8. Alechno, S., "Advancing the analysis of microwave oscillators," Microwaves RF, Vol. 39, No. 6, 55-67, 2000. Google Scholar

9. Rohde, U. L., Microwave and Wireless Synthesizers: Theory and Design, John Wiley & Sons, New York, 1997.

10. Jimnez, J. L. and F. Ortega, "Accurate linear oscillator analysis and design," Microwave Journal, Vol. 39, No. 6, 22-37, June 1996. Google Scholar

11. Basawapatna, G. R. and R. B. Stancli, "A unified approach to the design of wide-band microwave solid state oscillators," IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques, Vol. 27, No. 5, 379-385, 1979.
doi:10.1109/TMTT.1979.1129636 Google Scholar

12. Esdale, D. J. and M. J. Howes, "A reflection coefficient approach to the design of one port negative impedance oscillators," IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques, Vol. 29, No. 8, 770-776, 1981.
doi:10.1109/TMTT.1981.1130445 Google Scholar

13. Alechno, S., "The virtual ground in oscillator design. A practical example," Applied Microwave & Wireless, Vol. 39, No. 7, 44-53, 1999. Google Scholar

14. Kurokawa, K. K., "Some basic characteristics of broadband negative resistance oscillator circuits," Bell Systm. Tech. J., Vol. 48, No. 6, 1937-1955, 1969. Google Scholar

15. Gonzalez-Posadas, V., J. L. Jimenez-Martin, A. Parra-Cerrada, D. Segovia-Vargas, and L. E. Garcia-Muoz, "Oscillator accurate linear analysis and design. Classic linear methods review and comments," Progress In Electromagnetics Research, Vol. 118, 89-116, 2011.
doi:10.2528/PIER11041403 Google Scholar

16. Jackson, R. W., "Criteria for the on set of oscillation in microwave circuits," IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques, Vol. 40, No. 3, 566-569, 1992.
doi:10.1109/22.121734 Google Scholar

17. Platzker, A., W. Struble, and K. Hetzler, "Instabilities diagnosis and the role of K in microwave circuits," IEEE MTT-S IN. Microwave Symposium Digest, 185-188, 1993. Google Scholar

18. Platzker, A. and W. Struble, "Rigorous determination of the stability of linear N-node circuits from network determinants and the appropriate role of the stability factor K of their reduced two ports," Int. Integr. Nonlinear Microw. Millimeter Wave Circuits Workshop, 93-107. Google Scholar

19. Jackson, R. W., "Rollett proviso in the stability of linear microwave circuits-a tutorial," IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques, Vol. 54, No. 3, 993-1000, 2006.
doi:10.1109/TMTT.2006.869719 Google Scholar

20. Rhea, R. W. and B. Clausen, "Recent trends in oscillator design," Microwave Journal, 22-24, 2004. Google Scholar

21. Rhea, R. W., "A new class of oscillators," IEEE Microwave Magazine, Vol. 2, No. 2, 72-83, 2004.
doi:10.1109/MMW.2004.1306839 Google Scholar

22. Nguyen, N. and R. Meyer, "Start-up and frequency stability in high-frequency oscillators," IEEE Journal of Solid-State Circuits, Vol. 27, No. 5, May 1992.
doi:10.1109/4.133172 Google Scholar

23. Rollett, J. M., "Stability and power-gain invariants of linear twoports," IRE Trans. Circuit Theory, Vol. 9, 29-32, March 1962. Google Scholar

24. Edwards, M. L. and J. H. Sinsky, "A new criterion for linear 2-port stability using a single geometrically derived parameter," IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques, Vol. 40, 2303-2311, 1992.
doi:10.1109/22.179894 Google Scholar

25. Edwards, M. L., S. Cheng, and J. H. Sinsky, "A deterministic approach for designing conditionally stable amplifiers," IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques, Vol. 43, 1567-1575, 1995.
doi:10.1109/22.392916 Google Scholar

26. Bode, H. W., Network Analysis and Feedback Amplifier Design, Van Nostrand Co. Inc., New York, 1945.

27. Leeson, D. B., "A simple model of feedback oscillator noise spectrum," Proceeding of the IEEE, 329-330, 1966.
doi:10.1109/PROC.1966.4682 Google Scholar

28. Everard, J. K. A., "A review of low noise oscillator. Theory and design," Proceedings of the 1997 IEEE International Frequency Control Symposium, 909-918, 1997. Google Scholar

29. Jeremy, E., "Fundamentals of RF Circuit Design with Low Noise Oscillators," ISBN: 0-471-49793-2, Wiley, Dec. 2000, reprinted Oct. 2002. Google Scholar

Dr. Jose Luis Jiménez-Martín

Dr. Vicente Gonzalez-Posadas

Dr. Ángel Parra-Cerrada

Prof. Daniel Segovia-Vargas

Prof. Luis Enrique Garcia-Munoz