Metric · Analog, RF & Mixed-Signal
Q factor (Quality factor)
The ratio of energy stored to energy dissipated per cycle in a resonant element, setting how narrow and low-loss a resonance is. High Q gives sharp filters and low-phase-noise oscillators.
- Also known as
- Q
- Type
- Metric
- Domain
- Analog, RF & Mixed-Signal, RF characterisation
Notes
On-chip spiral inductors reach Q of roughly 10 to 20, while quartz crystals exceed 10,000, which is why oscillators still use them.
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