YIG-Tuned Bipolar Oscillators Cover 2 to 18 GHz

Feb. 26, 2009

To provide enhanced performance with low frequency-modulation (FM) noise, a series of yttrium-iron-garnet (YIG) oscillators rely on thin-film technology and low-noise bipolar transistors. In addition, the oscillators were designed using computer-aided-design (CAD) techniques. Both the 10- and 30-mW versions are electronically tunable over the entire fundamental-frequency 2-to-18-GHz frequency range. Thanks to a proprietary magnetic circuit and the coupling technique used between the YIG sphere and active element, the linearity of these oscillators is better than +/-12.5 MHz. From 4.0 to 18.0 GHz, for example, the YOM3679 delivers at least 13 mW RF output power with power variation of 3 dB. With a VSWR of 1.50:1, the pulling figure is 0.5. FM noise is -115 dBc offset 100 kHz from the carrier and -90 dBc offset 10 kHz from the carrier. A typical analog driver control input of 0 to 10 V tunes the oscillator over the full frequency band. P&A: Available now.

About the Author

Nancy Friedrich

RF Product Marketing Manager for Aerospace Defense, Keysight Technologies

Nancy Friedrich is RF Product Marketing Manager for Aerospace Defense at Keysight Technologies. Nancy Friedrich started a career in engineering media about two decades ago with a stint editing copy and writing news for Electronic Design. A few years later, she began writing full time as technology editor at Wireless Systems Design. In 2005, Nancy was named editor-in-chief of Microwaves & RF, a position she held (along with other positions as group content head) until 2018. Nancy then moved to a position at UBM, where she was editor-in-chief of Design News and content director for tradeshows including DesignCon, ESC, and the Smart Manufacturing shows.