This miniature multiloop synthesizer achieves wideband frequency coverage and reference-like phase noise without sacrificing fast settling time.
Frequency-synthesizer performance is usually a compromise. Single-loop phase-locked-loop (PLL) designs can achieve fast switching speeds, but lack the filtering capability to dramatically lower phase noise and spurious content. Multiloop synthesizers can cut the noise, although the multiple loops require longer frequency settling times. Significantly, the engineers at Synergy Microwave (Paterson, NJ) have blended multiple frequency-synthesizer technologies, including PLL and direct-digital synthesizer (DDS) techniques, in their new model MTS2000-DS multiloop frequency synthesizer. The result is a miniature coaxial source capable of octave-band (1 to 2 GHz) tuning with fast settling time, low phase noise, negligible spurious content, and impressive 1-Hz frequency resolution.
The MTS2000-DS employs mix-and-divide frequency generation, using PLL filtering to reduce spurious content. The synthesizer offers the phase-noise performance of a traditional fractional-N synthesizer, but with considerably wider bandwidth. In spite of its combination of technologies, the sophisticated model MTS2000-DS measures only 4 × 4 × 1 in. (10.16 × 10.16 × 2.54 cm) with SMA female RF output and reference input ports. The low-mass 50-Ω synthesizer is extremely rugged and maintains high stability even in high-vibration environments. With its complete DDS circuitry, the MTS2000-DS can tune from 1 to 2 GHz in frequency steps as small as 1 Hz (other step sizes can be readily programmed), but still settle to a new frequency in less than 2 ms, making this an ideal "building-block" source for built-in-test-equipment (BITE) systems and dedicated test instruments.
The MTS2000-DS frequency synthesizer delivers nominal output power of +3 dBm. It maintains relatively flat output power of ±3 dB over a wide temperature range of −20 to +70°C. The spurious content is surprisingly low for a DDS-based source (thanks to the multiloop configuration), at an almost negligible −65 dBc.
While its wide tuning range equips the MTS2000-DS for a variety of applications, its outstanding phase noise supports additional uses including by means of frequency multiplication for higher-frequency signals. The phase noise for the MTS2000-DS is based on a stable reference source with phase noise of −140 dBc/Hz. Near the noise floor (an offset of 1 MHz from a 1-GHz carrier), the phase noise approaches that reference level, at −135 dBc/Hz. Closer to the carrier, the specified phase noise is −90 dBc/Hz offset 100 Hz from a 1-GHz carrier, −95 dBc/Hz offset 1 kHz from a 1-GHz carrier, −95 dBc/Hz offset 10 kHz from a 1-GHz carrier, and −110 dBc/Hz offset 100 kHz from a 1-GHz carrier.
Measurements conducted with a high-performance spectrum analyzer from Rohde & Schwarz (Munich, Germany) back these published claims. With the reference level set at +3 dBm, the spectrum analyzer reveals single-sideband (SSB) phase noise of −94.97 dBc/Hz offset 1 kHz from the carrier. The measurement was performed with the analyzer's center frequency tuned to 1.001050004 GHz and a span of 2.2 kHz, the resolution bandwidth set to 50 Hz, and the video bandwidth set to 100 Hz (see figure). Additional measurements on the spectrum analyzer revealed phase noise of −95.41 dBc/Hz offset 10 kHz from the carrier, and −108.51 dBc/Hz offset 100 kHz from the carrier.
Standard MTS2000-DS models are shipped with an integral frequency multiplier for use with an external reference oscillator (a 10-MHz oscillator capable of +10 dBm power). For custom reference frequencies, contact the factory. Although the initial design covers 1 to 2 GHz, the architecture is fullable scalable to cover other frequency ranges. The MTS2000-DS employs a D-type connector at its data port, and a simple three-wire programming interface. The frequency synthesizer operates with bias supplies of typically 350 mA at +5 VDC and typically 50 mA at +20 VDC. P&A: $1795.00 (small qty.); stock. Synergy Microwave Corp., 201 McLean Blvd., Paterson, NJ 07504; (973) 881-8800, FAX: (973) 881-8361, e-mail: sales@synergymwave.com, Internet: www.synergymwave.com.
