Analog Devices' new PLLs deliver widest frequency range coverage and lowest VCO phase noise

Analog Devices Inc. introduced today three new phase-locked loop (PLL) devices one of which features the industry's widest frequency coverage and lowest voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) phase noise in a single device. Targeted at RF and microwave communications systems designers who need a single, high-performance wideband synthesizer, the ADF5355 PLL covers a 55 MHz to 14 GHz frequency spectrum, the widest in its class, while the ADF4355-2 PLL features a 55 MHz to 4.4 GHz frequency span. Both PLLs integrate ultra-low-phase-noise VCOs that deliver -133 dBc/Hz @ 1 MHz offset at 6 GHz—at least 2 dB lower noise performance than any competing device.

ADI today also introduced the ADF4155, an 8 GHz stand-alone fractional-N PLL. Together, the new devices provide designers with several options for replacing discrete, high-frequency, higher-power PLLs and VCOs in demanding, ultra-wideband applications including cellular base stations, microwave point-to-point communications links, radar systems and test and measurement equipment. These new PLLs are all supported on the latest version of the ADIsimPLL™ design tool, version 3.6, which is a free-to-download software tool that facilitates PLL/synthesizer designers in getting the best performance from ADI’s leading portfolio of PLL solutions. The new PLL synthesizers and ADIsimPLL tool will be demonstrated this week at Analog Devices’ Booth #415.

Download data sheet, user guide or order samples:
http://www.analog.com/ADF5355
http://www.analog.com/ADF4355-2
http://www.analog.com/ADF4155

Download the new version of the ADIsimPLL design tool:
http://www.analog.com/adisimpll

Connect with ADI engineers on EngineerZone™, an online technical support community:
http://ez.analog.com/community/rf

The superior VCO phase-noise performance of the ADF5355 and ADF4355-2 is achieved through novel VCO topologies and architectures which were developed in conjunction with ADI’s new proprietary advanced SiGe processes. In ultra-wideband RF and microwave communications applications, this ultra-low phase noise has the benefit of improving overall system error rates and increasing data throughput to deliver better noise immunity and wider range.

ADI’s new, cost-effective, ultra-wideband PLL synthesizer ICs also feature up to 125 MHz phase comparator frequency and 38-bit resolution, which lowers jitter and allows for very fine step sizes, while the integrated PLL and VCO on an advanced BiCMOS process significantly reduces package size and power consumption compared to discrete GaAs implementations. And because a single PLL can be configured to operate from 55 MHz to 14 GHz, designers can more quickly reconfigure their system designs and reduce their parts inventory while still supporting multiple frequency bands.

ADF5355, ADF4355-2, ADF4155 PLL Key Features

ADF5355: 55 MHz to 14 GHz synthesizer with integrated ultra-low-noise VCO

-133 dBc/Hz @ 1 MHz offset at 6 GHz

-105 dBc/Hz @ 100k-Hz offset at 12 GHz

-224 dBc/Hz phase noise figure of merit

ADF4355-2: 55 MHz to 4.4 GHz synthesizer with integrated ultra-low-noise VCO

-144 dBc/Hz @ 1 MHz offset at 1.5 GHz

ADF4155: 8 GHz stand-alone fractional-N PLL

125 MHz phase detector

ADIsimPLL Design Tool Version 3.6 Key Features