Application of SAW Oscillators to Low-Noise Communications Systems

During the 1980\´s and beyond, there will be a need for low-cost, low-noise oscillator circuitry in high-frequency communications systems, such as JTIDS, GPS, Packet Radio, as well as in commercial satellite communications and navigation systems. In this paper, the use of SAW oscillators to achieve low phase noise in the 300-400 MHz frequency range without phase-locked loops or multiplier chains is described. In addition to low phase noise, SAW oscillators utilizing "chip-mounted" resonators reduce system size, weight, power, and cost.