Q-factor for an MSW delay-line based oscillator

A theoretical derivation of the Q-factor of an MSW delay-line based oscillator is presented which is based on a rigorous, classical definition of the Q-factor of a resonator. The theory takes into account (1) the propagation loss in the delay line, (2) the transduction losses at the input and output transducers of the delay line, (3) the delay times in the delay line and the circuit external to the delay line, and (4) the loading of the oscillator. While the present work was done with MSW in mind, the results are generally applicable to all delay-line based oscillators and would, for instance, apply to the SAW delay-line based oscillators.