ADI's Low Jitter Frequency Synthesizer Enables GSPS Data Converter Solutions to Achieve Excellent Performance

Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI) introduces the ADF4377. an 800MHz to 12.8GHz frequency synthesizer for high-performance ultra-wideband data converter and synchronization applications. The frequency synthesizer achieves excellent signal-to-noise performance by providing an ultra-clean clock source to drive the signal sampling process. Based on the ADF4377. a new generation of wideband receivers and transmitters can take advantage of higher levels of dynamic range, resulting in improved receiver sensitivity and transmitter spectral purity. the ADF4377 frequency synthesizer has a normalized in-band phase noise as low as -239dBc/Hz, normalized 1/f noise as low as -147dBc/Hz, and a broadband voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) noise floor of - 160dBc/Hz. 160dBc/Hz, resulting in a jitter level of less than 18fs rms for such outstanding performance.

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The ADF4377 frequency synthesizer is ideal for applications that require multiple data converters or mixed-signal front-end (MxFE) digitizers to work together, such as radar, instrumentation, broadband receivers, etc. The ADF4377 greatly simplifies the alignment and calibration process by allowing multiple data converters to sample signals at precisely aligned timings with each other, which is critical for the operation of next-generation, ultra-broadband multichannel systems. This is critical to the operation of next-generation ultra-wideband multichannel systems. This performance is achieved through the following features:

Automatic reference output synchronization.

Ultra-high matching of output delay references across process (3ps between devices), voltage, and temperature (0.03ps/C).

Sub-picosecond, jitter-free output delay reference tunability (+/- 0.1ps).

These features enable accurate and predictable multi-chip clock and SYSREF alignment. the ADF4377 frequency synthesizer supports JESD204B and JESD204C subclass 1 solutions when used in conjunction with an IC responsible for distributing the paired reference and SYSREF signals. the ADF4377 integrates all of the necessary power supply bypass capacitors, which saves board area on compact boards. The ADF4377 integrates all the necessary power bypass capacitors, saving board space on compact boards.

ADF4377 key features:

Output frequency range: 800 MHz to 12.8 GHz

Jitter = 18 fs rms (integration bandwidth: 100 Hz to 100 MHz)

Broadband noise floor: -160 dBc/Hz @ 12 GHz

PLL specifications:

o-239 dBc/Hz: normalized in-band phase noise floor

o-147 dBc/Hz: normalized in-band 1/f noise

o Discriminator frequency: up to 500 MHz

Output delay specification reference:

o Inter-device standard deviation: 3 ps

oTemperature drift: 0.03 ps/°C

oMulti-chip output phase alignment