low jitter/phase noise, moderate stability and accuracy reference for PLL?

[mrln55]

There are several different technologies for oscillators (~100MHz) such as crystal, MEMS, SAW, etc., and I am looking for a frequency reference for a PLL such as the ADF4002. My application is the detection of electron spin resonance using a fixed RF magnetic field combined with swept DC magnetic field over a period of a few minutes. Since I am detecting resonance and not measuring it, I do not require high absolute frequency accuracy, temperature stability, or long term stability, but low phase noise/jitter is important. Does anybody have any suggestions for an oscillator type or part?

 

[barry]

We use ovenized crystal oscillators (OCXO) in the 100MHz range for radar systems which also require low phase noise.

 

[mrln55]

We use ovenized crystal oscillators (OCXO) in the 100MHz range for radar systems which also require low phase noise.

Thanks for the pointer, the OCXOs do seem to have superior noise characteristics. Do you see any downside to using sockets so that one high-end oscillator could be moved from prototype to prototype instead of being hard soldered?

 

[barry]

Sockets are not your friend. I try to avoid them. Actually, the oscillators we use are connectorized (BNCs or SMAs), so there's no soldering involved except for the two power leads. If you're just dealing with prototypes I suppose you can live with sockets.

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Sockets are not your friend. I try to avoid them. Actually, the oscillators we use are connectorized (BNCs or SMAs), so there's no soldering involved except for the two power leads. If you're just dealing with prototypes I suppose you can live with sockets.