Advanced Frequency Synthesis by Phase Lock

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

This book is a continuation of Frequency Synthesis by Phase Lock, 2nd edition (FS2) [Egan, 2000] with significant emphasis on the study of sigma–delta (ΣΔ) frequency synthesis. Although ΣΔ synthesis has already been introduced in FS2 (Section 8.3), there is much more to learn, so much that there is a danger of the reader being overwhelmed. For this reason, we will proceed with experimental observation, one experiment at a time, picking up information as we go. We will depend on FS2 to define a level of knowledge about frequency synthesis that precedes this new study. It will provide a ready reference for background, but we will provide enough information to make referral unnecessary, albeit helpful, for the reader who has acquired basic knowledge about frequency synthesis elsewhere.

The experimental observations will be based on Simulink^® simulations. While it is not necessary to use the Simulink program to follow the results that will be discussed, models and discussions will be subsequently provided to enable the reader to perform the Simulink simulations and to progress from there to new simulations to answer new questions. Some books and papers are largely based on development of one or more ICs or delve into monolithic circuit realizations. These have advantages, but the use of simulations permits easier demonstration of a large variety of different configurations and effects.

Following our discussion of ΣΔ synthesis, we will consider two topics that ...