Signal Quality and Reference Signal Sources Required for Communications Systems (2) (Sept. 2013)

Review of Phase Noise Properties Attributable to Oscillator Structure

Communication protocols require signals handled by high-speed communications transmission networks to achieve signal quality performance such as bit error rate (BER) (refers to the bit error rate calculated by dividing the number of error bits among data received by the recipient during transmission by the total number of data bits transmitted). Accordingly, system designers are tasked with creating designs for ASIC, board layouts, and component changes etc. that do not result in the deterioration of signal quality.
The noise and jitter performance of the reference signal source itself is a vital parameter affecting the ability to maintain a high-quality signal. As such, the previous White Paper introduced key oscillator specifications necessary to achieve the signal quality required in communications systems, as well as Epson products ideal for communications equipment based on the structure and characteristics of oscillators currently on the market. In this White Paper, we take a closer look at the phase noise properties resulting from the structural differences of oscillators on the market.