The ADF4368 from Analog Devices is a Microwave Frequency Synthesizer that can generate frequencies from 800 MHz to 12.8 GHz. This ultra-low jitter synthesizer is based on integer-N and fractional-N phase-locked loops (PLL) that integrate a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) to support frequency conversion applications. It does not require an internal doubler to generate the desired output frequency which eliminates the need for sub-harmonic filters. The synthesizer includes a 25-bit fixed modulus that provides a frequency resolution of 1 Hz with an additional 17-bit modulus, which allows even finer resolution and flexibility for frequency planning. It requires DC supplies of 3.3 and 5 V.
The ADF4368 offers a simplistic solution that eases development time with a simplified SPI register map, external SYNC input, and repeatable multi-chip phase alignment in both integer and fractional modes. It has a jitter of less than 30 fs and a noise floor of -160 dBc/Hz (at 12.8 GHz). This synthesizer uses the SYNC input or EZSync™ to align multiple synthesizer outputs to support multiple frequency conversions systems, such as phased array radar or massive MIMO. A programmable reference to output delay with less than 1 ps resolution is provided for applications that require a deterministic delay or delay adjustment capability. It is available in a Land Grid Array (LGA) package that measures 7 x 7 mm and is ideal for aerospace, defense, test and measurement, and wireless infrastructure (MC-GSM, 5G) applications.
