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The S-Series SGA combines a frequency switching speed of 100 s with a phase noise of -135 dBc/Hz. This technical note describes the key techniques employed in the synthesizer design which make such a step-change in signal generator performance possible.
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The performance requirements for signal generators have continued to become more demanding as the quality of receivers and the speed of test have increased in line with the advances in all aspects of communications. The spectrum is becoming increasingly congested, new modulation techniques are being developed, components are advancing in speed and performance, and manufacturing volumes are increasing demands on cost-effective quality signal generation have never been higher. This has created a fiercely competitive market where signal generator performance continues to improve and the price reduces a familiar scenario with all aspects of technology, from motor cars to mobile phones. Customers and consumers continue to expect more for less.
The test requirements found in RFIC design and manufacture call for signal sources with both low phase noise and high frequency switching speed, requirements that are invariably in conflict resulting in performance being optimized for one or the other of the requirements. Aeroflexs latest synthesizer design used in its S-Series signal generators has been optimized for class-leading performance in both areas, with frequency switching speeds of less than 100 s and typical phase noise at 1 GHz of -135 dBc/Hz at 20 kHz offset. Advances in technology have enabled the synthesizer design to be miniaturized and simplified so that it is a fraction of the size and cost of its predecessors. While enabling the signal generator to be light and compact, it also provides space for future expansion as the range of products expands.
Multi-loop synthesizer
To achieve a wide frequency range (up to 6 GHz) with fine frequency resolution a multi-loop synthesizer design was chosen. In this particular design, two PLL loops are used: one provides a low-noise RF signal capable of stepping across the required range in coarse steps, while the second loop provides interpolation between the steps with a fine frequency resolution. Both loops are bought together to make the final output signal.
reference oscillator, and as a result, the frequency is accurately known. The deviation is then corrected in real time by dynamically programming the interpolation synthesizer.
Interpolation synthesizer
The interpolation synthesizer provides a tuning range of 11.25 MHz in order to interpolate the 22.5 MHz steps of the high frequency signal. The output loop can subtract as well as add frequencies, so the required range is only half of the coarse step size. Other essential functions that the interpolation synthesizer is required to provide are as follows: a) Fine resolution for the synthesizer of 0.01 Hz when multiplied up to 6 GHz b) To offset the VCXO deviation from nominal frequency c) To apply wideband FM A 720 MHz Voltage Controlled SAW Oscillator (VCSO) is phaselocked to the 10 MHz reference oscillator and used as the clock for a Direct Digital Synthesizer (DDS). When the synthesizer is producing unmodulated CW, the DDS output has its already low spurious signals further reduced by a stage of addition to the 720 MHz signal, filtering and fractional division back down to low frequency. In this mode it covers 22.5 MHz to 33.75 MHz. When the synthesizer is required to produce wide deviation FM, the nominal interpolation frequency is changed to the range 33.75 MHz to 45 MHz, in order that the interpolation signal can swing a further 10 MHz to handle the wide frequency deviation. The DDS output is then used directly, to cover the frequency range from 23.75 MHz (33.75 MHz - 10 MHz) to 55 MHz (45 MHz + 10 MHz).
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ing is then achieved before phase lock by using a digital discriminator technique (patent applied for). An FPGA compares the frequency of the two signals at the phase detector, and brings the VCO to the correct frequency by modifying the pre-steer voltage. Once the VCOs are close enough to lock, they lock and settle very quickly, due to minimum PLL bandwidths of 200 kHz, achieving frequency settling to 0.1 ppm in 100 us. This represents an error band of only 100 Hz at a 1 GHz carrier frequency.
Frequency modulation
The synthesizer is capable of producing wideband, wide deviation frequency modulation, using standard two-point modulation. The FM system takes advantage of modern low cost digital processing to set the overall FM gain, and to match the gain and delay of the two paths. Calibration of the two paths is handled internally. The modulation signal is applied simultaneously to the output VCO, and to the interpolation synthesizer. As they vary together, the output PLL sees no error at the phase detector. AC and DC input coupling, as well as phase modulation, are also handled digitally.
Conclusion
The synthesizer achieves its design objectives by using a combination of innovative analog and digital techniques to provide class-leading performance for the Aeroflex S-Series signal generators. This continues the evolution of generator technology which has been the hallmark of the Aeroflex product lines over several decades.
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As we are always seeking to improve our products, the information in this document gives only a general indication of the product capacity, performance and suitability, none of which shall form part of any contract. We reserve the right to make design changes without notice. All trademarks are acknowledged. Parent company Aeroflex, Inc. Aeroflex 2011.
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Part No. 46891/623, Issue 1, 1/11