A unified method of designing low noise microwave oscillator

Oscillator/VCOs phase noise is an important concern in RF design. Transistor 1/f noise, base resistance thermal noise, resonator loss resistance noise, and the base and collector current shot noise can all contribute to the oscillator phase noise. The relevant importance of individual noise sources in determining the phase noise is examined. A method of minimizing the phase noise is developed, and demonstrated for high Q low noise Colpitt oscillator at 1 GHz.