Phase noise analysis of component cascades

The author summarizes the derivations and techniques applicable to a mathematical analysis model of the degradation in phase noise-to-carrier ratio of various components and cascade of components. The components that are analyzed are: passive elements with loss (filters, attenuators, etc.), linear amplifiers, and frequency translation devices, such as multipliers and mixers. This analysis technique is useful in predicting the degradation to phase noise caused by a cascade of components as was recently required for a radar warning receiver local oscillator (LO) application.