Mike Driscoll
IEEE Distinguished Lectureer in the UFFC Society for 2012-2013
September 10, 2013 | 12:30 to 01:30 | 521 Cory Hall, Hogan Room
Host: Clark Nguyen
The need for improved signal detection capability in Communications and Radar System Performance has resulted in requirements for extremely low noise in the signal generation portion of the hardware. Depending on the complexity of the signal generator, the signal path circuitry often includes a cascade of a very large number of non-oscillator as well as oscillator-included components such as amplifiers, mixers, switches, filters, PLL ICs, etc. In addition to the spectral performance of the oscillator(s), the cumulative effect of the residual noise characteristics of the non-oscillator components on output signal noise level and jitter can be significant. Tradeoffs must often be made with regard to maintaining adequate inter-component signal level, linear device operation (to minimize multiplicative noise), and DC power consumption. The use of noise modelling and noise analysis spreadsheets has become a mandatory part of the design process. Accurate verification of phase noise performance (especially in the presence of vibration and acoustic stress) of low noise signal generator hardware represents an important, related issue. Measurement results obtained using phase noise measurement equipment can be misleading and lead to erroneous conclusions. This lecture will cover the aforementioned topics with the goal of acquainting the attendees with both a historical and current perspective regarding the design, performance, and testing of low noise signal generation hardware.
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