The overall performance of any RF circuit in regards of it’s phase noise and spectral purity depends significantly on the frequency generating circuitry, commonly an oscillator. Low noise oscillators with high spectral purity are neither witchcraft nor black magic. Many people think the design of oscillators is black magic as such circuits usually either work […]
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Search Results for: low noise oscillator
Review: Abracon MEMSpeed Pro II Programmer / MEMS Oscillators
Most circuit design engineers know this problem. They seem to have an inexhaustible amount of oscillators with all kinds of frequencies available, but there’s always one frequency that seems to be unavailable: the one they need. Abracon offers a variety of low-cost MEMS oscillators that can be programmed for a wide range of frequencies. When […]
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Look Inside: Teledyne LeCroy HDO4024
True beauty lies within, or so they say. For an exclusive look under the hood, I decided to break the warranty seal on my Teledyne LeCroy HDO4024. It took me a while to debate with myself whether or not I should void the warranty on this scope. Curiosity won and I couldn’t resist, I just […]
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Review: Analog Devices ADF4360 PLL Synthesizer
The ADF4360 series from Analog Devices is a a family of integer-N-synthesizer chips with on-board VCOs. Since the chips cover all amateur radio bands between 4m – 13 cm and are rather inexpensive, they are predestined to be used in homebrew amateur radio equipment. Not too long ago I reviewed ADI’s wideband PLL synthesizer ADF4351 […]
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Review: Analog Devices ADF4351
Frequency generation is usually a very critical part in every RF design. The higher the target frequency, the higher complexity. Usually. With the ADF4351, Analog Devices offers an effort-saving component level solution for frequencies up to 4.4 GHz. The ADF4351 from Analog Devices (ADI) is a modern wideband PLL synthesizer with integrated low phase noise […]
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Review: Abracon ABFT Frequency Translators
In March, 2012, Abracon announced the production of ultra-low jitter, VCXO based frequency translators / jitter attenuators. This is supposed to resolve some problems that accompany classic PLL-based designs at an affordable price. Now, the ABFT frequency translators / jitter attenuators are available on the market and it’s time to have a closer look. The […]
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Review: Jackson Labs GPSTCXO Eval Board
Jackson Labs offers several different precision timing solutions. Among them are various GPS-disciplined oscillators. They sent me an evaluation board for one of their ultra small, low-cost GPSDO. So let’s check it out! The GPS-disciplined Oscillator (GPSDO) reviewed in this article is a state-of-the-art eval board from Jackson labs equipped with a high-performance GPS receiver, […]
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Repairing a MRC DAR Plus Receiver
This is another piece of industry story time. This time it’s about Vislink MRC DAR Plus receivers and transmitters. It shows that even highly integrated devices in the 1 each including shipping. After carefully replacing the MMIC on the PCB, I tested the IF module by applying a 70 MHz signal again. This time the […]
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Crystal controlled listening device
There are tons of circuits for listening devices available on the internet. For the most part, they all have in common that they are virtually useless. This article shows how to build a reliable, small and inexpensive listening device using a PLL clock multiplier and a standard crystal. Most audio listening devices, also called spy […]
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Review: Abracon ABPSM-ULN-A – Precision Power Supply Module
When bench testing noise sensitive circuits, one needs an ultra clean power source. Low noise lab power supplies are usually bulky and expensive. Abracon challenges both the bulkiness and the expensiveness with their new low noise pocket sized ABPSM-ULN-A ultra low noise power supply module. With the ABPSM-ULN-A, Abracon intends to set a new standard […]
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