Dielectric resonator oscillators target satcoms systems

11th September 2016

Mick Elliott

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An extensive range of mechanically tunable dielectric resonator oscillators (DROs) that offer excellent frequency stability when subjected to variations in temperature or VSWR has been introduced by Link Microtek. Manufactured by L-3 Narda-MITEQ, the DRO-ST series are ruggedly constructed using thin-film hybrid microcircuit technology and are designed for operation under severe environmental stress in applications such as military satellite-communications systems.

These free-running oscillators achieve superior stability through their impressively low temperature coefficient of frequency drift – 5ppm/degC maximum – and a frequency pulling factor of less than 5MHz peak-to-peak for a 1.5:1 VSWR varying through all phases.

Available with a choice of 13 operating frequency bands spanning 2.4 to 40GHz, the devices deliver a minimum microwave output power of +13dBm up to 16GHz and +11dBm between 16 and 40GHz.

The DROs exhibit low microphonics (noise caused by mechanical vibrations) and excellent phase noise performance, typically ranging from 105dBc/Hz at 2.4GHz to 70dBc/Hz at 40GHz for a 10kHz frequency offset.

All RF connectors are female SMA types and, depending on the frequency band, package sizes range from 36.83 x 26.67 x 12.19mm to 69.85 x 53.34 x 23.62mm excluding connectors and tuning elements.

In addition to the standard range, the DROs can be optionally specified with voltage tuning, high output power capability and an extended temperature range of -54 to 95degC.