CALCULATORS / SIGNALS, SAMPLING AND DATA

Timing jitter and signal-error screening calculator

Small RMS aperture jitter limit for a sine wave; other noise omitted.

signals-jitter.napkin / editable

SCENARIO COMPARISON

Compare the numbers.

This source describes an analytical model. Its quantities and checks are the view.

Scenario	snrDb
	84.0364
	85.9746

All calculated quantities are listed with the inputs. Switch to Source to inspect the equations.

SCENARIOS / CALCULATED VALUESSAME SOURCE

Change an input to see the consequences.

jitter SNR target in dB84.04 ✓ passes

BASELINE INPUTS

signalFrequency1000000 Hzjitter10 ps

CALCULATED

snrDb84.036

Edits change the baseline source.

THE SOURCE

Edits below update the same model.

# Timing jitter and signal-error screening
# Scope: Small RMS aperture jitter limit for a sine wave; other noise omitted.
# Status: illustrative worked example; engineering review pending.
# Inputs are example values. Checks are editable example requirements, not standards.

signalFrequency = 1000000 Hz
jitter = 10 ps

snrDb := -20*log10(2*pi*signalFrequency*jitter)

check jitter SNR target in dB: snrDb >= 70

scenario alternative: signalFrequency = 800000 Hz

Calculated from your source · not saved

Baseline · Baseline

jitter SNR target in dB84.04 ✓ passes

alternative · alternative

jitter SNR target in dB85.97 ✓ passes

Illustrative first-order example. Checks are editable requirements, not design standards. The broader topic may require additional equations, data, and validation.

Formula and units

This example uses the following equations. Input names and units match the editable source above.

snr db: snrDb = -20*log10(2*pi*signalFrequency*jitter)

Original worked example

These are the baseline values in the downloadable source. Edits above let you test your own values.

Given

signal frequency: 1000000 Hz
jitter: 10 ps

Calculated

snr db: 84.0364

Assumptions and limits

Small RMS aperture jitter limit for a sine wave; other noise omitted.

The requirement checks use the limits written in this example. Passing a check does not establish that the model covers every load, material behavior, or operating condition in a real design.

Download this .napkin example ↓

Take it further with your agent

Napkin keeps the inputs, equations, checks and assumptions together in one study. Your agent sets it up; you change the numbers.

Try with Claude ↗

codex 'Use Napkin (https://napkin.engineering/mcp, or the local Napkin plugin) to build a study: Timing jitter and signal-error screening. Inputs: clock jitter; signal frequency; waveform assumptions. Outputs: jitter-induced error or SNR estimate. Model scope: Sampled-data models with stated bandwidth and noise assumptions. Read napkin_capabilities and the current snapshot. Ask me for the values that matter, label assumptions with units, author .napkin source, validate it and apply it with napkin_source using the current revision, then open the study. Add checks for the limits I supply. Keep unsupported analyses explicit.'

Claude needs the Napkin connector; Codex needs the Napkin plugin. Set up your agent ↗

The broader study

The topic brief below describes the broader scope. The worked example above states the particular calculation it implements.

Inputs: clock jitter, signal frequency, waveform assumptions
Outputs: jitter-induced error or SNR estimate
Modes: calculate, compare, sweep
Drawing: Signal, samples and spectrum

EXECUTABLE WORKED EXAMPLE · FIRST-ORDER MODEL · CHECK THE SCOPE & ASSUMPTIONS