Oscillator design efficiency: a new figure of merit for oscillator benchmarking

Abstract

A novel figure of merit (FOM) is proposed which allows absolute benchmarking of the carrier to noise ratio (CNR) of oscillators. Called Oscillator Design Efficiency (ODE), this FOM allows absolute comparison of designs. This is realized by comparison of a realized design with the best case (theoretical) oscillator design. In this comparison, ODE takes into account power dissipation, frequency and technology of the resonator. Furthermore, ODE gives the designer a good indication of how much room for CNR improvement is available compared to the best theoretical design. Finally, ODE provides a consistency check. Whenever ODE is greater than 0 dB or 100%, the theoretical CNR limit is crossed. In this situation the parameters, simulation results or measurements should be checked. Application of ODE is demonstrated using 9 recently published integrated LC oscillator designs.