RF PLL Synthesizers

Radio frequency synthesizers are essential part of many radio frequency communication systems, as well as RF and microwave measurement equipment. Phase-Locked Loop (PLL) synthesizers are the most commonly used type of synthesizers in consumer and professional communication equipment.

This course intends to enhance students’ knowledge on PLL synthesizer design for wireless applications.
The curriculum will focus on PLL synthesizer design principals, their properties, performance and concept of designing loop filter for them.

RF and telecommunication engineers, especially those who are involved in designing and specifying synthesizers, as well as software and RF system designers will benefit from this course.

Course Highlights:

• PLL Concepts and design, components, noise performance
• Loop bandwidth, Frequency response, Locking time, PLL circuit order
• Integer and fractional-N synthesizers.
• Direct Digital Synthesizers parameters, practical limitations, Spurious analysis

Course Benefits:

• Differentiate the technologies for PLL synthesizers
• Identify the design constraints and solutions for PLL synthesizers
• Learn PLL design topologies, techniques, and their performance
• Design of loop filter for PLL synthesizer
• Understand the effects of the PLL synthesizer block on the transceiver performance
• Ability to use simulators to evaluate the PLL block performance

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 infotech@ucsd.edu to learn more about RF Engineering and course offerings.