Phase Noise in Signal Sources/Theory and Application

This book contains a thorough treatment of phase noise, its relationship to thermal noise and associated subjects such as frequency stability. The design of low phase noise signal sources, including oscillators and synthesisers, is explained and in many cases the measured phase noise characteristics are compared with the theoretical predictions. Full theoretical treatments are combined with physical explanations, helpful comments, examples of manufactured equipment and practical tips.

Overall system performance degradations due to unwanted phase noise are fully analysed for radar systems and for both analogue and digital communications systems. Specifications for the acceptable phase noise performance of signal sources to be used in such systems are derived after allowing for both technical and economic optimisation.

The mature engineer whose mathematics may be somewhat rusty will find that every effort has been made to use the lowest level of mathematical sophistication that is compatible with a full analysis and every line of each mathematical argument has been set out so that the book may be read and understood even in an armchair.

Due to a novel approach to the analytical treatment of narrow band noise, the book is simple to understand while simultaneously carrying the analysis further in several areas than any existing publication.

W.P. Robins has had a consuming interest in the subject of radio and electronics since the age of 12.

While working for EMI Engineering Development Ltd, shortly after the war, he was responsible for the development of a number of mass produced all-wave broadcast receivers.

At GEC Stanmore, later renamed Marconi Space and Defence Systems Ltd, Robins was responsible for the design of the microwave local oscillator and AFC system for an airborne pulse radar (AI18). He was also project manager of development programs for two different coherent radar systems.

While divisional manager of the Military Products Division of G&E Bradley Ltd, he advised on the design of highly successful low phase noise microwave signal sources.

On returning to Stanmore in 1967 Robins was in charge of the development of transportable satellite earth stations Type III and IV for use in the British Skynet defence communications system. He was responsible for the proposal and all the technical concepts for the communication payload of the Skynet II satellite.

As communications manager of the 'Cosmos' consortium of European companies he was responsible for a number of studies of satellite communication and TV systems for Estec and the European Space Agency. Most of the concepts now internationally accepted for Europena Satellite TV are based on these recommendations.

Robins is a member of the Institution of Electrical Engineers and also holds the London University Certificate of Proficiency in Radio Physics.