Glossary  

Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO):

Type of oscillator that is continuously tunable by the application of a control voltage.

Frequency Tuning performance:

The characteristic frequency vs. tuning voltage curve generated by a VCO when tuned from the minimum to the maximum tuning voltage extremes. Typically presented in a graph format as Frequency vs. Voltage.

Tuning Sensitivity or Modulation Sensitivity:

The slope of the characteristic frequency tuning curve at a given tuning voltage (MHz/V).

Monotonic Tuning:

Continuous positive or negative change in the frequency tuning curve.

Tuning Linearity:

The amount of frequency deviation from a best fit straight line of the frequency vs. tuning voltage curve (MHz).

Output Power Variation:

The variation of the output power of the fundamental frequency when observed over the specified frequency range into a 50 ohm load at a fixed temperature (dB).

Power Flatness:

The variation of the output power from the average output power (±dB).

Output Power Variation with Temperature:

The variation of the output power with respect to a change in the device's temperature (dB/°C).

Frequency Drift with Temperature:

The variation of the output frequency with respect to a change in the device’s temperature (MHz/°C).

Spurious Output (Non-Harmonic):

Unwanted frequencies not harmonically related to the fundamental frequency (dBc).

Harmonic Suppression:

The level of harmonics (nfo) relative to the level of the fundamental frequency (dBc).

Frequency Pushing:

The variation of the output frequency due to a change in the supply voltage (MHz/V).

Frequency Pulling:

The variation of the output frequency due to a change in the output load conditions. Typically specified into a 12 dB Return Loss (MHz).

3 dB Modulation Bandwidth:

The modulating frequency at which the frequency deviation decreases to 0.707 of its DC value. This is also a function of the modulating source impedance, which is typically 50 ohms.

Phase Noise:

The single side band phase noise in a 1 Hz bandwidth, measured relative to the carrier level at a specified offset frequency (dBc/Hz).

VCO Input Capacitance:

The total equivalent input capacitance seen at the tuning port of the VCO (pF).

Microphonic:

Spurious signals seen on the VCO output when the device is subjected to vibration or shock.

Frequency Drop Outs:

The sudden unexpected loss of frequency output while tuning across the frequency range.