Shown here is a phase noise comparison of an Epson SAW oscillator, an analog-multiplier XO and a PLL-based XO at 622.08 MHz. Epson SAW oscillators have excellent close-in and noise floor characteristics since it can be driven at a higher drive level. The analog-multiplier XO’s noise floor has sub-harmonic spikes while the PLL-based XO’s noise floor is greatly deteriorated by the PLL multiple of the spurious noise. The Epson SAW oscillator does not have sub-harmonics nor spurs affecting the phase noise, and the structural reliability is not affected even with the higher drive level.