Dro Theory

Introduction To DROs

FREE-RUNNING DIELECTRIC RESONATOR OSCILLATORS

Back to

100 Davids Drive Hauppauge, NY 11788 631-436-7400 Fax: 631-436-7430 www.miteq.com

Frequency GenerationProducts Home

Frequency GenerationProducts Home

DRO Series TCDRO Series ETCO Series

CONTENTSCORPORATE OVERVIEW OSCILLATORSHigh-Value Phase-Locked Coaxial Resonator Oscillator BCO SeriesPhase-Locked Coaxial Resonator Oscillator DLP SeriesFundamental/Multiplied Phase-Locked Coaxial Resonator Oscillator CP/CPM SeriesLowest Noise Phase-Locked Dielectric Resonator Oscillator DLCRO SeriesUltra Low-Noise Phase-Locked Dielectric Resonator Oscillator PLDRO Series Variable Frequency Multi-Source Oscillator VFS Series Phased-Locked Coaxial Resonator Oscillator LP Series Multiplied Phase-Locked Coaxial Resonator Oscillator LPLM Series Phased-Locked Crystal Oscillator PLD Series Ultra Low-Noise Crystal Oscillator XTO-05 Series Multiplied Crystal Oscillator to 1 GHz XTM Series

FREE-RUNNING DIELECTRIC RESONATOR OSCILLATORS Introduction to DROs Mechanically-Tuned Dielectric Resonator Oscillator DRO Series Temperature Compensated Dielectric Resonator Oscillator TCDRO Series Electronically-Tuned Coaxial Oscillator ETCO FREQUENCY SYNTHESIZERSL-Band Frequency Synthesizer L2LS Series S-Band Frequency Synthesizer S2LS Series C-Band Frequency Synthesizer C3LS Series Ku-Band Frequency Synthesizer Ku3LS Series High Performance Ku- and L-Band Dual Output Synthesizer CFS Series X-Band Frequency Synthesizer LNS Series Low Phase Noise SATCOM Synthesizer MFS Series Octave Wide Frequency Synthesizer OW Series Fast Switching Synthesizer SLS Series 93Multiband Synthesizer C-, X- , and Ku-Band SeriesISO 9001:2000ORDERING INFORMATIONWARRANTY

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CONTENTS

FREE-RUNNING DIELECTRIC RESONATOR OSCILLATORSIntroduction to DROs Mechanically-Tuned Dielectric Resonator Oscillator DRO Series Temperature Compensated Dielectric Resonator Oscillator TCDRO Series Electronically-Tuned Coaxial Oscillator ETCO

INTRODUCTION TO DROs

INTRODUCTION TO DROs

Dielectric Resonator Oscillators (DROs) are microwaveoscillators that use a dielectric resonator (DR) as thefrequency stabilizing element in order to achieve excel-lent frequency stability, high Q and very low micro-phonics. The DR, when used as part of the resonatingcircuit of any active microwave device, produces asteady state oscillation under the right conditions at theresonant frequency of the DR.

OSCILLATOR THEORY AND CIRCUIT DESIGN

MITEQs DRO circuits utilize both silicon bipolar tran-sistors and GaAs MESFET devices. All microwaveoscillators are designed by adding resonating ele-ments (L, C or R) in various configurations to differentports of a transistor. These elements generate a neg-ative resistance at a certain resonant frequency andset the device into oscillation. In the case of a DRO,the resonating element is the DR, which can be mod-eled electrically as an L, C, R network, as shown inFigure 1.

The Dielectric Resonator is made of a high dielectricconstant ( = 30 to 80) ceramic material, often bariumtitanate (Ba2Ti9O20). This material exhibits a high Q(9000 @ 10 GHz) and low temperature coefficient offrequency (TC to 6 ppm/C typical).The cylindrical shape as shown in Figure 1 is the mostpopular. It has good separation between the desiredTE(0,1) mode and other higher order resonantmodes, making it easier to couple to microstrip cir-cuits, as well as easy to mount.

The resonator is magnetically coupled to one or moreports of the transistor using a transmission line, asshown in Figure 2.

OSCILLATOR FABRICATION TECHNIQUES

MITEQ DROs are manufactured using state-of-the-artthin-film hybrid micro-circuit technology. These DROsare suited for applications requiring rugged construc-tion for operation under severe environmental stress.

TYPICAL DRO PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS AND APPLICATIONS

When comparing different types of oscillators versus aDRO, an engineer may wish to consider the followingperformance specifications:

FREQUENCY ACCURACY AND SETTABILITY

The frequency accuracy of a free-running DRO is typ-ically within 500 kHz and can be set to within 100 kHz.

FREQUENCY STABILITY

DROs are highly stable free-running oscillatorsexhibiting low temperature coefficient of frequencydrift (typically 4 ppm/C) and have better stability thanfree-running cavity oscillators, Gunn diode oscillatorsor VCOs.

DIELECTRIC RESONATOR ELECTRICAL MODEL

DIELECTRIC RESONATOR MAGNETICALLY COUPLED TODIFFERENT PORTS OF TRANSISTOR USING

TRANSMISSION LINE

d1

2

L1 R1 C1h

O/PMATCH

MAGNETIC FIELD

Z o/pZ o

Z i

DR

Z L

Z oZ i

MAGNETIC FIELD

O/PMATCH

Z o/p

DR

FIGURE 1

FIGURE 2

47

INTRODUCTION TO DROs (CONT.)

FREQUENCY PULLING FACTOR

Pulling is an oscillators sensitivity to VSWR changes.Since the DRO is a high Q oscillator, its frequencypulling factor is better than other free-running sources.The frequency pulling figure for an unbuffered (at 10GHz) DRO is typically less than 5 MHz peak-to-peakfor a 1.5:1 VSWR varying through all phases.

RF POWER OUTPUT

A DRO exhibits good power efficiency compared toother oscillators, such as a Gunn oscillator or VCO,due to lossless coupling of dielectric resonator ele-ment. It also has less power variation over tempera-ture.

EFFECT OF POWER SUPPLY VARIATION ANDOTHER NOISE CONSIDERATION

Frequency pushing is small, typically 15 kHz/volt.Also, residual noise is lower and the oscillator exhibitslow microphonics (noise caused by mechanical vibra-tions).

LIMITATIONS OF A DROs PERFORMANCE

BANDWIDTH

Mechanical tuning bandwidth is another limiting factor.Typically the bandwidth is 0.2% of center frequency, itcan only be increased up to 3% of center frequencyfor special applications.

PHASE NOISE

DROs typically offer excellent phase noise perfor-mance. Typical phase noise curves can be seen onpage 50.

48

49

MECHANICALLY-TUNED DIELECTRIC RESONATOR OSCILLATOR

DRO SERIES

FEATURES Ultra-clean source ideal for low

spur application

Miniaturized designs

High-reliability construction

Low phase noise

OPTIONS High power (-HP-ST)

Voltage tuning (-VT-ST)

Special (-SP) (please contact factory before ordering)

Special is defined as a requirement with a specification(s) different than the standard

catalog. For example, extended mechanical and electrical tuning, extended or narrowed

temperature range, lower output power, different DC power requirement, etc.

SERIES - ST (STANDARD)ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS

PARAMETERS UNITS D E EF F G H J K L M N

Operating frequency GHz 2.4 3.7 3.7 4.8 4.8 6.5 6.5 8.8 8.8 12 12 16 16 18 18 20 20 22 22 24 24 26range (Note 2)

Output power (Note 1) dBm, min. +13 +13 +13 +13 +13 +13 +11 +11 +11 +11 +11

Output power variation dB, max. 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5over temperature rangeFundamental dBc, max. N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A -20 -20 -20 -20

Harmonics dBc, max. -20 -20 -20 -20 -20 -20 -20 -20 -20 -20 -20

Spurious dBc, max. -80 -80 -80 -80 -80 -80 -80 -80 -80 -80 -80

Mechanical tuning MHz, min. 3 5 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10

Frequency pushing kHz/V, max. 10 10 15 15 15 20 25 30 30 30 30

Frequency pulling MHz, P-P max. 2 2 3 5 5 5 5 1 1 1 1(1.5:1 VSWR)

Frequency drift temp. ppm/C, max. 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5coefficient (Note 3)

Phase noise @ dBc/Hz, typ. 105 105 95 90 85 80 80 80 80 80 8010 kHz offset

DC power Volts (Note 4) 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15

Current mA, max. 150 150 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120

Outline drawing 1 1 2 3 4 4 4 5 5 5 5

Temperature range C -20 to +70

50

MECHANICALLY-TUNED DIELECTRIC RESONATOR OSCILLATOR

SERIES - ST (STANDARD)ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS (CONT.)

PARAMETERS UNITS D E EF F G H J K L M N

Electrical tuning MHz, min. N/A N/A N/A 8 12 20 20 25 25 25 25@ Vvar = 115 V

Phase noise @ dBc/Hz, typ. N/A N/A N/A 85 80 75 75 75 75 75 7510 kHz offset

Output power dBm, min. +17 +17 +17 +17 +17 +17 +17 +17 +17 +14 +14

Current mA, max. 220 220 220 220 220 230 230 260 260 150 150

Frequency pulling MHz, P-P max. 2 2 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 1 1 1 1(1.5:1 VSWR)

Outline drawing 1 1 2 3 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

Notes:1. Output power is guaranteed into 50 ohm load.2. Operating frequency must be specified. 3. Averaged over the full temperature range. 4. Alternate DC voltage available.

VOLTAGE TUNABLE OPTION (VT-ST)

HIGH POWER OPTION (HP-ST)

MITEQ also offers DROs with enhanced specifications as special models (-SP).

VOLTAGE (V)

10,00710,00610,00510,00410,00310,00210,00110,000

9,9999,9989,9979,9969,9959,9949,9939,992

FREQ

UEN

CY (M

Hz)

321 54 76 98 1110 13 14 1512

FREQUENCY OFFSET (Hz)

0-10-20-30-40-50-60-70-80-90

-100-110-120-130-140-150-160

PHAS

E N

OIS

E (dB

c/H

z)

100K10K1K 10M1M

VOLTAGE (V)

10,00710,00610,00510,00410,00310,00210,00110,000

9,9999,9989,9979,9969,9959,9949,9939,992

FREQ

UEN

CY (M

Hz)

321 54 76 98 1110 13 14 1512


0-10-20-30-40-50-60-70-80-90

-100-110-120-130-140-150-160

PHAS

E N

OIS

E (dB

c/H

z)

100K10K1K 10M1M

TYPICAL TUNING CURVE (F = 10 GHz)

TYPICAL PHASE NOISE CURVE (F = 10 GHz)

51

MECHANICALLY-TUNED DIELECTRIC RESONATOR OSCILLATORS

OUTLINE DRAWINGS

Example 1: 12 GHz DRO standard: DRO-G-12000-ST.Example 2: 4.5 GHz DRO with +17 dBm power: DRO-E-04500-HP-ST.Example 3: 15 GHz DRO with voltage tuning: DRO-H-15000-VT-ST.Example 4: 8 GHz DRO with any specification different than listed in catalog: DRO-F-08000-SP, please contact MITEQ.

ORDERING INFORMATION

ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIFICATIONSMITEQs standard dielectric resonator oscillators have beendesigned to meet the below maximum environmental conditions(for standard specification, see pages 49 and 50).

TemperatureOperating ....................... -55 to +95CStorage .......................... -65 to +115C

Humidity............................. 95% at 40C noncondensingShock (survival) ................. 30 gs, 10 ms pulseVibration (survival) ............. 20 to 2000 Hz random to 4 gs rms

2.75 [69.85]

0.28 [7.11]

0.38 [9.65]

2.55 [64.77]0.1 [2.54]

1.9[48.3]

0.1 [2.54]

0.9 [22.9]

2.1[53.3]

0.93 [23.62]

0.15 [3.81]

TUNING ELEMENT EXACT LOCATION DETERMINED BY FREQUENCY

GROUND

DC POWER

4-40 UNC TAP x 0.19 [4.83] DEEPMOUNTING HOLE (TYP. 4 PLACES)

RF OUTPUT FIELD REPLACEABLE SMA FEMALE

0.27 [6.86]

OUTLINE 1

MECHANICAL SPECIFICATIONSSize per outline number

1 ........................................ 2.1" x 2.75" x 1.08"2 ........................................ 1.75" x 2" x 0.85"3......................................... 1.39" x 1.6" x 0.7"4 ........................................ 1.05" x 1.45" x 0.63"5 ........................................ 1.05" x 1.45" x 0.63"

Weight ................................... Frequency dependent, pleaseconsult MITEQ where critical

RF connectors....................... SMA female DC connectors ...................... Feedthru filter

DROSeries D, E, EF, F, G, H J, K, L, M or NFrequency MHzType Standard (ST) Voltage Tunable Standard (VT-ST) High Power Standard (HP-ST) Special Requirement (SP)Note: When specifying type, include applicable detailed information.

NOTE: DIMENSIONS SHOWN IN BRACKETS [ ] ARE IN MILLIMETERS.

52

OUTLINE DRAWINGS (CONT.)

2.000[50.8]

1.812[46.025]

1.562[39.675] 1.750

[44.45].410

[10.41]

.670[17.02]

RF OUTPUTFIELD REPLACEABLE SMA FEMALE

GROUND.094

[2.39]

.28[7.11]

DC POWER

.094[2.39]

TUNING ELEMENTEXACT LOCATION DETERMINED BY FREQUENCY

.100 [2.54] DIA.THRU (4 HOLES)

.700[17.78]

.200 [5.08].380 [9.65]

.790[20.07]

.150[3.81]

OUTLINE 2

1.6[40.64]

1.39[35.31]

1.46[37.08]0.07 [1.78]

0.28 [7.11]

0.09[2.29]

RF OUTPUTFIELD REPLACEABLE SMA FEMALE

VOLTAGE TUNING (OPTIONAL)

0.10 [2.54] DIA. THRUMOUNTING HOLE(TYP. 4 PLACES)

DC POWER

0.38[9.65]

0.2 [5.08]

0.55 [13.97]

0.28 [7.11]0.80

[20.32]

0.96 [24.38]

0.28 [7.11]

1.21[30.73]

GROUND

0.15 [3.81] TYP.

TUNING ELEMENT EXACT LOCATIONDETERMINED BY FREQUENCY

OUTLINE 3


53

OUTLINE DRAWINGS (CONT.)

1.45[36.83]

1.05 [26.67]

1.31[33.27]

0.07 [1.78]0.28 [7.11]

0.87 [22.10]0.09 [2.29]

0.62 [15.74]0.28 [7.11]



GROUND

DC POWER

0.2 [5.08]

0.38 [9.65]

0.72 [18.29]0.23 [5.84]


0.48[12.19]

0.15[3.81] TYP. TUNING ELEMENT

EXACT LOCATIONDETERMINED BY FREQUENCY

OUTLINE 4

1.45[36.83]

1.05 [26.67]

1.31[33.27]

0.07 [1.78]0.28 [7.11]

0.87 [22.10]0.09 [2.29]

0.50 [12.70]0.28 [7.11]



GROUND

DC POWER

0.2 [5.08]

0.38 [9.65]

0.72 [18.29]0.23 [5.84]


0.48[12.19]

0.15[3.81] TYP. TUNING ELEMENT

EXACT LOCATIONDETERMINED BY FREQUENCY

OUTLINE 5


This page is intentionally blank

54

55

TCDRO SERIES

FEATURES Ultra-clean source ideal for

low spur application High-reliability design Very low frequency drift

over temperature Buffered output 100% burn-in

OPTIONS Special (-SP) (please contact factory before ordering)

Special is defined as a requirement with a specification(s) different than the standard catalog. For example, extended or narrowed temperature range, different output power, different DC power requirement, etc.

SERIES - ST (STANDARD)ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS

PARAMETERS UNITS F G H J K L M N

Operating frequency range (Note 2) GHz 6.5 8.8 8.8 12 12 16 16 18 18 20 20 22 22 24 24 26

Output power (Note 1) dBm, min. +17 +17 +17 +17 +11 +11 +11 +11

Output power variation over temperature range dB, max. 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5

Harmonics and fundamental dBc, min. -20 -20 -20 -20 -20 -20 -20 -20

Spurious dBc, min. -80 -80 -80 -80 -80 -80 -80 -80

Mechanical tuning MHz, min. 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10

Frequency pushing kHz/V, max. 15 15 20 25 30 30 30 30

Frequency pulling (1.5:1 VSWR) MHz, P-P max. 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 1 1 1 1

Frequency drift temp.coefficient (Note 3) ppm/C, max. 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9

Phase noise @ 10 kHz offset dBc/Hz, typ. 85 80 75 75 75 75 75 75

DC power requirements Volts 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15

Current mA, max. 220 220 220 230 120 120 120 120

Outline drawing 6 7 7 7 7 7 7 7

Temperature range C -20 to +70

Notes:1. Output power is guaranteed into 50 ohm load.2. Operating frequency must be specified. 3. Averaged over the full temperature range.

MITEQ also offers TCDROs with enhanced specifications as special models (-SP).

TEMPERATURE COMPENSATED DIELECTRIC RESONATOR OSCILLATORS

56

TEMPERATURE COMPENSATED DIELECTRIC RESONATOR OSCILLATOR

OUTLINE DRAWINGS

Example 1: 6.5 GHz TCDRO standard: TCDRO-F-06500-ST.Example 2: 12 GHz TCDRO with any specification different than listed in catalog: TCDRO-G-12000-SP, please contact MITEQ.

ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIFICATIONSMITEQs standard dielectric resonator oscillators have beendesigned to meet the below maximum environmental conditions(for standard specification, see pages 49 and 50).

TemperatureOperating ....................... -55 to +95CStorage .......................... -65 to +115C

Humidity............................. 95% at 40C noncondensingShock (survival) ................. 30 gs, 10 ms pulseVibration (survival) ............. 20 to 2000 Hz random to 4 gs rms


MECHANICAL SPECIFICATIONSOutline drawingsSize: Outline 6..................... 2.5" x 2.34" x 0.8"

Outline 7..................... 1.8" x 2" x 0.65"Weight................................... Frequncy dependent, please

consult MITEQ where criticalRF connectors ...................... SMA femaleDC connectors ...................... Feedthru filter

TCDROSeries F, G, H, J, K, L, M or NFrequency MHzType Standard (ST) Special Requirements (SP)Note: When specifying options, include applicable detailed information.

GROUND

TUNING ELEMENT EXACT LOCATIONDETERMINED BY FREQUENCY

GROUND

0.65 [16.51]

0.23[5.84]

0.229 [5.817]

0.28 [7.11]

1.8 [45.72]

0.42[10.67]

0.17[4.32]

2.0 [50.8]

1.85 [46.99]

0.075 [1.905]

0.075[1.905]

1.65[41.91]

TUNING ELEMENT EXACT LOCATION DETERMINED BY FREQUENCY

RF OUTPUTFIELD REPLACEABLESMA FEMALE


DCPOWER

0.53 [13.46]

0.17[4.32]

0.28 [7.11]

0.29 [7.37]

0.50[12.70]

0.15 [3.81]

0.35 [8.89]

0.100 [2.54] DIA. THRUMOUNTING HOLE (TYP. 4 PLACES)

0.100 [2.54] DIA. THRUMOUNTING HOLE (TYP. 4 PLACES)

2.34 [59.44]

2.50[63.50]

2.35[59.69]

0.50 [12.70]

0.15 [3.81]

0.075 [1.905]2.19

[55.63]

0.075 [1.905]

0.34 [8.64]

DC POWER

OUTLINE 6 OUTLINE 7


57

ETCO SERIES: 0.104 GHz (FUNDAMENTAL)424 GHz (MULTIPLIED)

FEATURES Flexible design for customer requirements Electronically tuned for low noise source Up to octave band tuning (to 4 GHz) High Q resonator (narrow band units) Internal regulation for improved phase noise Small package 100% temperature testing Three-year warranty

ELECTRICALLY TUNED COAXIAL OSCILLATOR

ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS Output frequency range coverage (in bands) 0.10 24 GHzOutput power +13 dBm minimumOutput harmonic -20 dBc maximumOutput spurious and subharmonics -50 dBc maximum (-25 dBc subs > 12 GHz)Phase noise See graphInput tuning voltage (tuning bandwidth related) 015 V maximum

Input tuning (modulation) bandwidth up to 10 MHz maximum

Load VSWR 1.5:1DC power (typical)

Fundamental (to 4 GHz) +12 to +15 V @ 200 mAMultiplied (412 GHz) +12 to +15 V @ 300 mAMultiplied (1224 GHz) +12 to +15 V @ 400 mA

Note: Nonstandard tuning requirements available, please contact MITEQ.


-60

-70

-80

-90

-100

-110

-120

-130

-140

-150

-160

PHAS

E NO

ISE

(dBc/H

z)

100K10K1K 10M1M

1000 MHz (OCTAVE BAND)200 MHz (NARROW BAND)2000 MHz (OCTAVE BAND)

TYPICAL PHASE NOISE

58

ELECTRICALLY TUNED COAXIAL OSCILLATOR

OUTLINE DRAWING

ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIFICATIONSTemperature

Operating.................... -10 to +60CStorage....................... -40 to +85C

Humidity ......................... 95% at 40C noncondensingShock (survival) ............. 30 gs, 10 ms pulseVibration (survival) ......... 20 to 2000 Hz random to 4 gs rms

Note: Extended temperature ranges available, please contact MITEQ.


MECHANICAL SPECIFICATIONSOutline drawing ..................... 166335Size ....................................... 2.25" X 2.25" X 0.6"Weight ................................... 100 grams RF connectors....................... SMA female

K-F (> 18 GHz)Voltage input ......................... Filtercon Tuning input........................... Filtered or non

(Customer specify)

ETCO PSeriesStart Frequency MHzStop Frequency MHzPositive D.C. Supply Voltage (12 15)

1.29 [32.77]1.09 [26.71]

.89 [22.61].48 [12.21]

.60 [15.24] 2.25 [57.15]2.070 [25.58].09 [2.29]

.09 [2.29]

2.070[52.58]

2.250[57.15]

.32 [8.13]

RF OUTPUTTYPE SMA FEMALE

.120 THRU4 PLACES

.10 [2.54]


Example: Part Number ETCO-1000-10500-12P Electrical Tuned Coaxial Oscillator tunes from 10 GHz to 10.5 GHz with +12 volt supply.

166335ETCO SERIES

Free-Running Dielectric Resonator OscillatorsTable of ContentsIntroduction To DROsOscillator Theory & Circuit DesignOscillator Fabrication TechniquesTypical DRO Performance Specifications & ApplicationsFrequency Accuracy & SettabilityFrequency StabilityFrequency Pulling FactorRF Power OutputEffect Of Power Supply Variation & Other Noise Consideration

Limitations Of A DROs PerformanceBandwidthPhase Noise

Mechanically-Tuned Dielectric Resonator OscillatorDRO SeriesOrdering InformationOutline DrawingsOutline 1Outline 2Outline 3Outline 4Outline 5

Temperature-Compensated Dielectric Resonator OscillatorsTCDRO SeriesOrdering InformationOutline DrawingsOutline 6 & 7

Electrically Tuned CoaxialETCO Series:0.10-4 GHz (Fundamental)4-24 GHz (Multiplied)Ordering InformationOutline Drawing 166335

Documents

Dro Theory