A Low-Noise Microwave Frequency Synthesizer Using Varactor Tuned Dielectric Resonator Oscillator

Abstract

A varactor-turned GaAs FET oscillator having low-noise properties, owing to the use of low-loss, high-Q and high temperature stable bariumtitanate dielectric resonator was phase-locked with highly-stable VHF crystal reference [1] using mix and count-down technique to develop a low-noise synthesizer in the 5.90 to 6.00 GHz band with 10 kHz resolution to be used as LO in satellite ground terminals. Aided good harmonic and close in noise suppression was achieved with judicious use of various state-of-the art digital ICs in an effective circuit configuration.