Analog Devices intros new PLL synthesizer

NORWOOD, USA: Analog Devices Inc. (ADI) announced today the availability of a new PLL (phase locked loop) synthesizer for a variety of applications, including microwave point-to-point systems, PMR (private mobile radio), VSATs (very small aperture terminals), test and instrumentation equipment, and aerospace systems.

The ADF4150HV 4.4 GHz fractional-N or integer-N PLL synthesizer features a 30-V charge pump. A charge pump capable of 30-V drive level represents the highest voltage IC PLL charge pump available on the market today. Because the device can be used to directly drive high tuning-voltage external VCOs (voltage controlled oscillators), it removes the need for active loop filters, thereby simplifying system design, improving performance and reducing bill of materials cost.

Designed based on ADI’s industry-leading RF and PLL synthesizer design expertise, the ADF4150HV facilitates improved overall synthesizer phase noise performance, by allowing the use of passive loop filter topologies which do not tend to degrade phase noise when compared to active loop filters.

Furthermore, the device incorporates high performance on-chip frequency dividers allowing the VCO frequency to be divided by 2, 4, 8 or 16 to allow the user to generate RF output frequencies as low as 31.25 MHz. Since the ADF4150HV has a 30-V charge pump capability it allows designers to consider wideband (octave range) VCOs.

Hence, with the on-chip dividers provided on the ADF4150HV, a designer can simultaneously realize a synthesizer with multi-octave tuning capability as well as low phase noise afforded through the use of an external VCO. This is ideal for systems that require high performance and an ultra-wide tuning range.