VCO Replaces SAW Oscillators

Aug. 1, 2012

For applications that simply cannot tolerate phase noise, the DCSO1000-12 voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) from Synergy Microwave Corp. aims to provide the performance of a surface-acoustic-wave (SAW) source with the convenience of a VCO. Designed for use at 1 GHz, it tunes with typical sensitivity of 1.25 MHz/V using tuning voltages from 0.5 to 12.0 V. The oscillator delivers +4 dBm minimum output power at 1 GHz, with typical phase noise of -126 dBc/Hz offset 10 kHz from the carrier. Typical harmonic suppression is -35 dBc. Frequency pushing is typically 500 kHz when operating into a 1.75:1 load VSWR while frequency pushing is typically 50 kHz/V. The compact oscillator is constructed using a planar resonator and with the firms patented lead-free REL-PRO® technology. The oscillator, which is supplied in a compact surface-mount package measuring 0.750 x 0.750 x 0.165 in., is rated for operating temperatures from -40 to +85{DEG}C.

About the Author

Jack Browne

Technical Contributor

Jack Browne, Technical Contributor, has worked in technical publishing for over 30 years. He managed the content and production of three technical journals while at the American Institute of Physics, including Medical Physics and the Journal of Vacuum Science & Technology. He has been a Publisher and Editor for Penton Media, started the firm’s Wireless Symposium & Exhibition trade show in 1993, and currently serves as Technical Contributor for that company's Microwaves & RF magazine. Browne, who holds a BS in Mathematics from City College of New York and BA degrees in English and Philosophy from Fordham University, is a member of the IEEE.