Abstract: A circuit arrangement and a method for obtaining a signal for use in down-converting a signal of a relatively high frequency VCO (7). A pulse train (S1) is generated as a function of a reference signal which is then fed into an oscillator (2) so as to generate a signal (S2) modulated by said pulse train (S1). The resulting signal is fed into a band pass filter (4) which in turn outputs a selected frequency band (S3) to be mixed with the signal of VCO (7) in order to obtain the down converted control signal for phase locking.

Abstract: A low phase-noise device, like e.g. a microstrip-mounted voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) is described, and also a method of reducing such a noise in such devices or other devices comprising a microstrip-mounted coaxial ceramic resonator. In practice, a recess is made in the metallic support, opening towards the substrate, extending beneath the terminal area of the ceramic resonator or, possibly, even beyond it. Said recess is filled with air and the layer of electrically conducting material between the substrate and the metallic support at said recess is removed.