| A frequency synthesizer is an electronic component that utilizes a single oscillator to produce a wide range of frequencies. You may think it’s just used for research purposes but that’s not the case at all. Frequency synthesizers are all around us; from cell phones to television to radio! That’s not to say that frequency synthesizers aren’t used for research. In fact, they are essential to equipment such as spectrum analyzers and signal generators. |  |
| Frequency Synthesizers: Why They Matter? Frequency synthesizers are preferred over other devices that make use of an oscillator for a number of reasons. First, they offer a high degree of accuracy and stability. It’s also worth mentioning that the accuracy is determined by comparison with a crystal oscillator. Furthermore, frequency synthesizers are easily controllable with the use of digital circuitry such as microcontrollers and processors. This means that implementation of quintessential facilities such as keypad frequency, channel memories, etc. is made possible. Keep in mind that all of these are considered as basic functionality in almost all the equipment we use today. |   |
Frequency Synthesizers: How They Work
Majority of the frequency synthesizers that we use in the modern day are based on the principle of the phase-locked loop. If you understand how a phase-locked loop works, you’ll be able to better understand how a frequency synthesizer works.
Majority of the frequency synthesizers that we use in the modern day are based on the principle of the phase-locked loop. If you understand how a phase-locked loop works, you’ll be able to better understand how a frequency synthesizer works.
Essentially, phase-locked loops utilize phase comparison as their operational basis. If you take a look at the circuit diagram of a phase-locked loop above, you’ll see that it utilizes three main components; a phase detector, a loop filter, and a VCO.
Two signals are entering the phase detector; one is the reference signal and the other is being generated by the voltage-controlled oscillator. The phase detector generates a third signal which is proportional to the phase difference between the first two signals.
This signal is then sent to the loop filter which clears out any unwanted noise. Afterward, the loop filter applies the signal again to the control end of the voltage-controlled oscillator. In simpler words, the phase difference will vary the frequency of the signal.
Of course, we’ve only scratched the surface when it comes to fully understand the operation of a frequency synthesizer but its significance in the modern era can’t be argued with. When it comes to electronic components, there are many that we just can’t do without.
Two signals are entering the phase detector; one is the reference signal and the other is being generated by the voltage-controlled oscillator. The phase detector generates a third signal which is proportional to the phase difference between the first two signals.
This signal is then sent to the loop filter which clears out any unwanted noise. Afterward, the loop filter applies the signal again to the control end of the voltage-controlled oscillator. In simpler words, the phase difference will vary the frequency of the signal.
Of course, we’ve only scratched the surface when it comes to fully understand the operation of a frequency synthesizer but its significance in the modern era can’t be argued with. When it comes to electronic components, there are many that we just can’t do without.