Low-noise hybrid frequency synthesizers based on direct digital and direct analog synthesis

Abstract

The research of the possibility of using hybrid frequency synthesizers based on direct digital and direct analog methods of frequency synthesis as heterodynes of modern spectrum analyzers constructed according to the superheterodyne scheme is presented. The main advantages of such synthesizers over traditionally used heterodyne schemes based on direct digital and indirect frequency synthesis methods are shown. The requirements for the heterodynes of the first mixing stages of spectrum analyzers are presented. A block diagram of a wideband heterodyne generating a frequency range from 4000 MHz to 8000 MHz with a step not exceeding 1 Hz is proposed. Formulas for calculating the main frequency ratios in the structure of the heterodyne have been developed. A mathematical model of phase noise power spectral density (PSD) depending on the offset frequency from the carrier is developed. The noise characteristics of the proposed scheme are studied using the model. It is determined that at the output frequency of the heterodyne equal to 4521,4 MHz, the level of phase noise PSD is: minus 90 dBc/Hz at the offset frequency equal to 100 Hz; minus 140 dBc/Hz at the offset frequency equal to 100 kHz. It is shown that the hybrid synthesizer based on direct digital and direct analog synthesis methods has an advantage in the level of phase noise from 5 to 30 dB over the low-noise heterodynes of modern spectrum analyzers at frequencies above 1 kHz from the carrier. Additional advantages of the proposed scheme are a simple architecture, low power consumption and high frequency tuning speed due to the absence of phaselocked loops in the structure of the heterodyne.