Describe the methods of frequency synthesis in modern transmitter.
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Google Gemini AI
1 day ago
Frequency Synthesis Methods in Modern Transmitters
Frequency synthesis is the process of generating a desired frequency from a reference frequency source. In modern transmitters, various methods are employed to achieve this:
1. Direct Digital Synthesis (DDS):
- Generates frequencies directly from a digital signal processing (DSP) chip. - Offers high frequency accuracy and stability, low phase noise, and fast frequency hopping. - Widely used in digital communication systems, such as cellular base stations and wireless LANs.
2. Phase-Locked Loop (PLL):
- Compares a reference frequency with a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) output and adjusts the VCO frequency to match the reference. - Provides a frequency that is locked to the reference, resulting in low phase noise and high frequency stability. - Commonly used in RF transmitters for phase modulation and frequency modulation.
3. Fractional-N PLL (F-PLL):
- A variant of PLL that allows for fractional frequency division, enabling precise frequency generation without compromising phase noise. - Utilizes a digital divider to divide the reference frequency by a non-integer value. - Offers high frequency resolution, low phase noise, and reduced power consumption.
4. Numerically-Controlled Oscillator (NCO):
- Generates a periodic waveform with a frequency proportional to a digital control input. - Similar to DDS, but based on a discrete-time approximation of a continuous-time oscillator. - Offers fast frequency hopping and high frequency resolution.
5. Vector Modulator (VM):
- Combines I/Q mixers with a numerically-controlled oscillator to generate complex waveforms. - Can generate arbitrary waveforms, including modulated signals, and is commonly used in software-defined radios. - Provides high flexibility, wide bandwidth, and excellent phase noise performance.
6. Harmonically-Related Carrier Synthesis (HRC):
- Generates a carrier frequency using harmonics of a lower-frequency reference oscillator. - Uses frequency multiplication and harmonic filtering to obtain the desired frequency. - Offers cost-effectiveness and relatively low phase noise in certain applications.
Selection Criteria:
The choice of frequency synthesis method depends on factors such as frequency requirements, accuracy, phase noise, bandwidth, cost, and power consumption. For high-performance transmitters, DDS and F-PLL are preferred due to their high frequency precision and low phase noise. For lower-cost and less demanding applications, HRC may be suitable.