On the evaluation of phase noise in frequency dividers

The phase noise spectrum in frequency dividers is investigated in this paper. First the evaluation method is explained. Both linear and non-linear contributions to the phase noise power are calculated. A clear understanding of the shape of the resulting spectrum is obtained thanks to the splitting up of the different contributions. Two corner frequencies are identified that cause a change in the slope of the phase noise spectrum. Finally the phase noise spectrum of a dual-modulus prescaler is analysed. The corner frequencies are predicted with high accuracy using the developed method.