Highly Cited Papers in Signal Generation
Theory of Oscillation
  1. H. Nyquist, "Regeneration Theory," Bell System Technical Journal, Vol. 11, pp. 126-147, Jan. 1932 (pdf file)
  2. B.  van der Pol, "On Relaxation Oscillations," Philosophical Magazine, Vol. 2, No. 11, pp. 978-992, Nov. 1926
  3. B.  van der Pol, "Forced Oscillations in a Circuit with Non-Linear Resistance," Philosophical Magazine, Vol. 3, No. 13, pp. 65-80, Jan. 1927
Noise Theory
  1. A. Hajimiri and T. H. Lee, "A General Theory of Phase Noise in Electrical Oscillators," IEEE Journal of Solid-State Circuits, Vol. 33, No. 2, pp. 179-194, 1998. (pdf file)
  2. D. B. Leeson, "A Simple Model of Feedback Oscillator Noise Spectrum" Proceedings of the IEEE, Vol. 54, No. 2, pp. 329, 1966. (pdf file)
  3. L. S. Cutler and C. L. Searle, "Some Aspects of Theory and Measurement of Frequency Fluctuations in Frequency Standards," Proceedings of the IEEE, Vol. 54, No. 2, pp. 136, 1966. (pdf file)
Oscillator Design and Optimization Methods
  1. D. Ham and A. Hajimiri, " Concepts and Methods in Optimization of Integrated LC VCO's," IEEE Journal of Solid-State Circuits, Vol. 36, No. 6, pp. 896-909, 2001. (pdf file)
  2. R. V. Pound, "Frequency Stabilization of Microwave Oscillators," Proceedings of the IRE, Vol. 35, No. 12, pp. 1405-1415, 1947. (pdf file)
Solid-State Voltage-Controlled Oscillators
  1. J. Craninckx and M. S. J. Steyaert, "A 1.8 GHz Low-Phase-Noise CMOS VCO using Optimized Hollow Spiral Inductors," IEEE Journal of Solid-State Circuits, Vol. 32, No. 5, pp. 736-744, 1997. (pdf file)
  2. P. Andreani and S. Mattisson, "On the use of MOS Varactors in RF VCO's," IEEE J. Solid-State Circuits, Vol. 35, No. 6, pp. 905-910, 2000. (pdf file)
  3. M. Muraguchi, T. Hirota, A. Minakawa, et. al., "Uniplanar MMIC's and their Applications," IEEE Trans. Microwave Theory and Techniques, Vol. 36, No. 12, pp. 1896-1901, 1988. (pdf file)
Dielectric Resonator Oscillators
  1. H. Abe, Y. Takayama, A. Higashisaka, et. al., "Highly Stabilized Low-Noise GaAs FET Integrated-Oscillator with a Dielectric Resonator in C-Band," IEEE Trans. Microwave Theory and Techniques, Vol. 26, No. 3, pp. 156-162, 1978. (pdf file)
  2. O. Ishihara, T. Mori, H. Sawano, et. al., "A Highly Stabilized GaAs-FET Oscillator using a Dielectric Resonator Feedback-Circuit in 9-14 GHz," IEEE Trans. on Microwave Theory and Techniques, Vol. 28, No. 8, pp. 817-824, 1980. (pdf file)
  3. S. Chang, A. G. Mann and A. N. Luiten, "Improved Cryogenic Sapphire Oscillator with Exceptionally High Frequency Stability," Electronics Letters, Vol. 36, No. 5, pp. 480-481, 2000.  (pdf file)
Crystal Oscillators
  1. G. W. Pierce, "Piezoelectric Crystal Oscillators Applied to the Precision Measurement of the Velocity of Sound in Air and CO2 at High Frequencies," Proceedings of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Vol. 60, No. 1/14, pp. 271-302, 1925. (pdf file)
  2. J. K. Clapp, "An Inductance-Capacitance Oscillator of Unusual Frequency Stability," Proceedings of the IRE,  Vol. 36, No. 3, pp. 356-358, 1948. (pdf file)
  3. A. W. Warner, "Design and Performance of Ultraprecise 2.5 Mc Quartz Crystal Units," Bell System Technical Journal, Vol. 39, No. 5, pp. 1193-1217, 1960. (pdf file)
Gunn Oscillators and Transit-Time Device Oscillators
  1. J. B. Gunn, "Microwave Oscillations of Current in III-V Semiconductors," Solid-State Communications, Vol. 1, No. 4, pp. 88-91, 1963. (pdf file)
  2. D. E. McCumber and A. G. Chynowet, "Theory of Negative-Conductance Amplification and of Gunn Instabilities in Two-Valley Semiconductors," IEEE Trans. Electron Devices, Vol. 13, No. 1, pp. 4-21, 1966. (pdf file)
  3. K. Kurokawa, "Single-Cavity Multiple-Device Oscillator," IEEE Trans. Microwave Theory and Techniques, Vol. 19, No. 10, pp. 793-801, 1971. (pdf file)
Vacuum Device Oscillators
  1. S. H. Gold and G. S. Nusinovich, "Review of High-Power Microwave Source Research," Review of Scientific Instruments, Vol. 68, No. 11, pp. 3945-3974, 1997. (pdf file)
  2. V. L. Granatstein, "High Average Power and High Peak Power Gyrotrons - Present Capabilities and Future Prospects," International Journal of Electronics, Vol. 57, No. 6, pp. 787-799, 1984. (pdf file)
  3. X. L. Zhai, E. Garate, R. Prohaska, et. al., "Experimental Study of a Plasma-Filled Backward-Wave Oscillator," IEEE Trans. on Plasma Science, Vol. 21, No. 1, pp. 142-150, 1993. (pdf file)