ADF41020 PLL Frequency Synthesizer
Supports RF input frequency up to 18GHz


On the 17th, Analog Devices unveiled a PLL frequency synthesizer that can be used to implement local oscillators up to 18 GHz in the up/down conversion sections of wireless receivers and transmitters. ADI's new ADF41020 offers extremely high bandwidth, eliminating the need for designers to use a separate frequency multiplier stage.

This enables cost reduction and system architecture simplification in applications such as microwave point-to-point and multipoint radio devices, wireless infrastructure equipment, VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) radio devices, semiconductor test equipment, radar applications, and private mobile radio equipment. Additionally, since this product has an operating bandwidth of up to 18 GHz, it can be considered the highest frequency PLL currently available.

Peter Real, Vice President of Linear and RF Products at Analog Devices, stated, “The ADF41020 PLL is the latest addition to ADI’s industry-leading PLL synthesizer portfolio,” adding, “With this product announcement, ADI is able to expand its product portfolio to higher frequency ranges.” He explained, “The newly introduced PLL not only significantly reduces the number of components and system costs but also helps continuously improve the performance of next-generation wireless device designs.”

The ADF41020 PLL frequency synthesizer consists of a low-noise digital phase frequency detector, a precision charge pump, a programmable reference divider, and a programmable high-frequency feedback divider.

When this PLL is used with an external loop filter and a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO), a complete synthesizer can be implemented. This PLL can be used to drive an external microwave VCO through an active loop filter. Since the product's pinout closely matches that of the ADF4106/7/8 Integer-N PLL family, only minor layout modifications are required if the design needs to be updated to utilize a wider bandwidth.

Key specifications of the ADF41020 PLL frequency synthesizer

RF input frequency up to 18 GHz; integrated prescaler; programmable dual-modulus prescaler; 2.7V to 3.3V PLL power supply; programmable charge pump current; 3-wire serial interface; analog and digital lock detection; hardware and software power-down modes