Alfio Zanchi

                This work proposes two novel simulation techniques that allow for fast and 
                accurate predictions of phase noise in oscillators even adopting inexpensive software, 
                such as PSpice. The traditional harmonic tone insertion is initially discussed, 
                by applying it to a LC-tuned oscillator taken as benchmark. Then a first, much faster 
                technique based on sensitivity analysis is proposed, which is suitable for the estimation 
                of phase noise due to low-frequency sources, e.g. 1/f noise. Finally, the high-frequency 
                noise sources contributions to SSCR are analyzed through another alternative method 
                based on the frequency demodulation of the carrier. Both of these methods allow the 
                designer to promptly identify the noise sources mainly responsible for the carrier 
                instability and to accomplish the optimization for low phase noise of the synthesizer.

                Phase noise assessment; simulation techniques; VCO phase noise; harmonic balance 
                methods; probing tone insertion; sensitivity methods; high-frequency tones; 
                frequency demodulation.