Objective:

To gain an understanding of PLL Building Blocks. Includes counters, phase detector, charge pump, VCO, and loop filter.

Reading Assignment:

• PLL Building Blocks presentation and slide notes.

Additional Resources:

• PLL Performance, Simulation and Design, by Dean Banerjee.

Research Assignment:

From the PLL Building Blocks presentation, please answer the following questions:

1. Match the correct PLL Blocks name with the correct definition.
   (Reference are throughout the PLL Building Blocks Presentation and slide notes)
   
   

   PLL Blocks Name		Definitions
   1	VCO Output Frequency (Fout) check answer	a	This can be thought of as the tuning resolution, for an integer PLL. As N is changed by 1, the output changes in increments of Fcomp
   2	Crystal Reference Frequency (Fosc) check answer	b	This divides the fixed crystal reference frequency by R to get the comparison frequency. R is usually fixed for a given application
   3	Comparison Frequency (Fcomp) check answer	c	This is the output of the whole system, which is controlled by the PLL
   4	R Counter Value check answer	d	It detects differences in input signals, phase error between 2 input signals, frequency error between 2 input signals and outputs a voltage to the charge pump.
   5	N Counter Value check answer	e	This multiplies the comparison frequency in order to get the output frequency.
   6	Phase/Frequency Detector check answer	f	Voltage to frequency converter  Often Not Integrated with the rest of the PLL
   7	Loop Filter check answer	g	It is a Low Pass Filter
   8	Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO) check answer	h	This is a fixed frequency. It can be provided by a TCXO (Temperature Compensated Crystal Oscillator) or a crystal

   
   
2. What performance parameters does the loop filter affect? check answer

Program Coordinator/Professor

Dean Banerjee

Dean Banerjee is a Senior Wireless Applications Engineer with National Semiconductor's Wireless Products division and is the author of "PLL Performance, Simulation, and Design". During this time, he has assisted in the development and support of various PLL synthesizer chips.

Quiz:

Take this Quiz to check your understanding of this subject.

Answer all questions correctly to receive a certificate from Dean Bob Pease.