RF PLL Synthesizers

Master RF PLL Synthesizers: Design, Performance & Applications in Wireless Communication

In today’s wireless communication world, RF synthesizers play a crucial role in ensuring reliable signal generation and management. Among these, Phase-Locked Loop (PLL) synthesizers are the most widely used due to their versatility and accuracy. Whether you are designing transceivers or measuring RF signals, mastering PLL synthesizer technology is essential for every RF and telecommunication engineer. This course offers an in-depth look at PLL synthesizer design principles, performance, and key considerations for wireless applications. By the end, you will have the tools and techniques to optimize PLL synthesizer design and improve the overall performance of RF communication systems.

Course Highlights
 

• PLL Concepts & Design: Understanding the fundamental components, noise performance, and operation of PLL circuits.
• Loop Bandwidth & Frequency Response: Learn how to optimize PLL performance through bandwidth adjustments.
• Locking Time & PLL Circuit Order: Study how locking time and circuit order affect PLL behavior and stability.
• Integer and Fractional-N Synthesizers: Dive deep into the design and practical applications of both types of PLL synthesizers.
• Direct Digital Synthesizers: Understand the parameters, limitations, and spurious analysis for digital synthesizers.

Course Benefits

By the end of this course, you will
 

• Differentiate various technologies for PLL synthesizers and understand their unique applications.
• Identify the constraints in PLL design and learn practical solutions to overcome them.
• Gain a deep understanding of PLL design topologies and performance characteristics.
• Learn how to design and optimize loop filters for PLL synthesizers.
• Explore the effects of PLL synthesizers on overall transceiver performance.
• Master the use of simulators to evaluate and optimize PLL block performance.

• Enhance your skills: Learn essential design principles and techniques for PLL synthesizers used in cutting-edge wireless communication systems.
• Stay ahead in the industry: Gain hands-on experience with PLL technology, crucial for designing and optimizing transceivers in a rapidly evolving industry.
• Practical insights: Understand how PLL synthesizers impact RF systems and improve performance across multiple applications.
• Expert-led learning: Learn from instructors with years of real-world experience in RF and telecommunication systems.

• Software (optional): Students may use Analog devices ADIsimPLL_V5_0_03 or Mathcad for simulating their PLL circuit.
• Hardware (required): working speakers and microphone.
• Course Typically Offered: Online, Winter quarter
• Prerequisites: RF Principles and Applications (EE-40137) course or familiarity with the electronics circuit analysis.
• Next steps: Upon completion of this class, consider enrolling in other courses in the RF Engineering Certificate.
• More information: Contact unexengr@ucsd.edu to learn more about RF Engineering and course offerings.