Advanced PLL/VCO solution for critical next-generation demands

Analog Devices has released a state-of-the-art synthesiser consisting of a PLL with fully integrated VCO as well as integrated LDOs and integrated tracking filter technology. The new ADF4371 helps RF/microwave system designs that satisfy the most critical next-generation demands across multiple markets, including aerospace and defence, communications infrastructure, test and measurement, as well as high-speed converter clocking. Designed using the company's 25 years of RF and microwave synthesiser experience, the device is claimed to be the highest frequency synthesiser on the market today and gives the broadest continuous RF output range of 62MHz to 32GHz. Together with ultra-low PLL FOM (-234dBc/Hz), ultra-low spurious (-100dBc typ.), low VCO phase noise (-134dBc/Hz @1MHz offset at 8GHz. Its feature-rich, highly configurable architecture shows that creators can now pick a single, ultra-compact, synthesiser solution to satisfy almost any LO/clock need within these frequency ranges, in turn, reducing development costs, risk and time to market. The device aids implementation of high resolution (39-bit) fractional-N or integer-N PLL frequency synthesisers when utilised with an external loop filter and reference source. The wideband microwave VCO design enables frequencies from 62.5MHz to 32GHz to be generated. For applications needing very small compact footprints, the device supports integrated power supply decoupling, integrated LDOs and integrated harmonic tracking filters. The tracking filter technology facilitates at least 30dB harmonic and sub-harmonic rejection across the entire VCO range. This hugely reduces the total solution footprint, particularly in the case where fixed range filters are required to meet these rejections across octave bandwidths. For applications that do not require the full frequency range capability of the device (up to 32GHz), the company also offers the ADF4372 with operation up to 16GHz.