Analog Devices’ 4-GHz PLL synthesizer offers leading phase noise performance

Analog Devices Inc. (ADI), a global leader in high-performance semiconductors for signal-processing applications and leading provider of RF ICs (radio frequency integrated circuits), announced the release of a PLL synthesizer that offers leading phase noise performance. An upgrade to the widely used 4-GHz ADF4153 fractional-N PLL, the new, pin- and software-compatible ADF4153A PLL synthesizer facilitates improved integrated phase noise in a variety of applications including communications infrastructure, pulse-Doppler and FMCW (frequency-modulated continuous-wave) radar applications, test and instrumentation equipment, microwave point-to-point systems, PMR (professional mobile radio), VSATs (very small aperture terminals) and aerospace systems. The new PLL was showcased at EuMW in Analog Devices' Booth 221.

• Download ADF4153A data sheet, order samples or evaluation boards: http://www.analog.com/adf4153A
• View ADI’s complete portfolio of market-leading PLL synthesizers: http://www.analog.com/pll
• Get support at ADI’s EngineerZone™ technical support community: http://ez.analog.com/community/rf

With an RF bandwidth of 4 GHz, the ADF4153A PLL synthesizer consists of a low-noise digital phase frequency detector (PFD), a precision charge pump, a sigma-delta fractional-N divider and a programmable reference divider. When used together with an external VCO, the ADF4153A PLL can phase lock signals up to 4 GHz and can greatly improve the system integrated phase noise compared to the ADF4153, without requiring any significant board revisions. The ADF4153A displays market leading phase noise figure of merit (FOM) and PLL 1/f noise performance for a sub-100 mW part.

ADF4153A Fractional-N PLL Synthesizer Key Features:

• 2.7 V to 3.3 V power supply
• 1.8 V logic compatibility
• PLL phase noise figure of merit: -223 dBc/Hz, an improvement of 3 dB improvement over the ADF4153
• PLL 1/f noise: -121dBc/Hz @ 10kHz offset normalized to 1 GHz RF (7 dB improvement over the ADF4153)
• Separate charge pump supply allows extended tuning voltage (up to 5 V) in 3 V systems
• Programmable modulus and programmable charge pump currents
• Programmable RF output phase
• 3-wire serial interface

The ADF4153A PLL synthesizer is well-suited to work with ADI’s ADP150 low-noise LDO regulator, ADL5801 and ADL5802 RF mixers as well as the ADF4350 and ADF4351 PLL synthesizers.