Distributed coupled resonator (DCR) oscillators/VCOs limit phase noise and phase hits

Communication systems rely on stable signal source (oscillator/VCO) to maintain phase-locked conditions and ensure transmitted data integrity. Many 3^rd and later generation systems incorporate multiple narrowband oscillators/VCOs to cover their bandwidth requirement. The coexistence of second and third generation wireless system requires multi-mode, multi-band and multi-standard mobile communication systems, therefore, requiring a wideband source that may replace several narrow band SAW/ceramic resonator VCO modules by a single low noise wideband distributed coupled resonator (DCR) VCO with minimal phase hits. The distributed coupled resonator (DCR) VCOs demonstrated in this work can satisfy the need for the present demand for low cost, low noise, low phase hits, wide tuning range, power efficient, compact size, and amenable for integration in chip form. The measured phase noise is better than -132 dBc/Hz at 100 kHz offset over the tuning range (1800-3250 MHz), and to our knowledge, this is the best phase noise performance for this band using printed coupled resonator with discrete components so far reported.