Miniaturized Low Jitter Clock for Digital Receivers

"RF Monolithics proposes to investigate means to reduce the vibration sensitivity ofthe low-noise, miniature oscillator (MINO) presently being developed for use inadvanced communications and radar systems by Q-DOT, Inc. RF Monolithics is providingthe STW resonators and the final packaging configuration for this advanced oscillator.The MINO packaging architecture and the STW resonator are both candidates foroptimization to reduce vibration sensitivity. Variations in electronic signal pathlengths and parasitic capacitance in the hybrid package caused by mechanical deforma-tions can cause loop phase variations that frequency modulate the carrier. Criticalnodes in the MINO will be identified and their vibration sensitivity calculated inorder to identify and solve potential problems. Similarly, the architecture, mater-ial and acoustic mode of the resonator will be investigated to identify opportunitiesfor reducing vibration sensitivity. In particular, the impact of new acoustic mater-ials such as langasite and its isomorphs will be assessed.Additionally, subsystem level approaches will be investigated that independentlymeasure vibration and provide electronic feedback to the oscillator circuit to compen-sate for arbitrary vibration-induced frequency variations.Specific recommendations for enhancements to the MINO will be developed for a Phase IIproposal, and will be described in a Final Report. The ruggedized MINO is essential to main