Surface-Mount VCO Tunes 800 To 1000 MHz

April 14, 2008
Signal generation is a critical component of most highfrequency systems. Oscillator suppliers are being asked to develop higher-performance solutions in smaller packages, to meet the needs of multi-mode, multiband wireless communications ...

Signal generation is a critical component of most highfrequency systems. Oscillator suppliers are being asked to develop higher-performance solutions in smaller packages, to meet the needs of multi-mode, multiband wireless communications systems. In response, Synergy Microwave (www.synergymwave.com) has developed its latest series of compact, surface-mount voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs) for systems with demanding phasenoise requirements. One of the first members of the new series is the model DCRO80100-12, designed for use from 800 to 1000 MHz. It is supplied in a tiny surface-mount package measuring just 0.5 x 0.5 x 0.170 in.

The model DCRO80100-12 surfacemount VCO delivers better than +10 dBm output power from 800 to 1000 MHz. Typical measured phase noise is -85 dBc/Hz offset 1 kHz from the carrier, -120 dBc/Hz offset 10 kHz from the carrier, and -158 dBc/Hz offset 1 MHz from the carrier.

The model DCRO80100-12 leverages the company's innovative compact- coupled-planar-resonator (CCPR) VCO technology as well as its patent-pending REL-PRO(R) packaging concept. In contrast to conventional three-dimensional (3-D) tunable oscillator structures based on dielectric and SAW resonators, Synergy's CCPR technology lends itself to extremely low-profile surface-mount designs that are also well suited to integrated-circuit (IC) implementations. In addition, the low mass of the CCPR oscillators makes them ideal for applications in severe environments, under high shock and vibration conditions.

The REL-PRO packaging technology offers an effective means of achieving good electrical and ground connections while also supporting restriction of hazardous substances (RoHS) manufacturing processes. The patentpending REL-PRO contacts and solder pads enable good electrical connections even when using reflow processes at temperatures below standard levels. REL-PRO solder pads feature 50-mil holes drilled through the package solder pads that provide a means of quickly inspecting the integrity of reflow-solder connections. In addition, the REL-PRO packages comply with JEDEC J-STD-020 for lead-free solder process, as well manual or automatic placement and attachment with leadfree solder pastes. To help with install-ation, Synergy offers Application Note AN7200 and AN7300 on package-mounting guidelines for free download from its web site.

The model DCRO80100-12 VCO offers outstanding lining linearity with fine-grain control of output frequency by means of a wide 0 to +24-VDC control voltage range. The tuning sensitivity is typically 8 to 10 MHz/V in the operating-frequency range. Across the tuning range, the output power remains flat to within +/-1 dB from 800 to 1000 MHz.

The surface-mount VCO has an output impedance of 50 Ω and typically suppresses harmonic content by 12 dB. The maximum frequency pulling with load impedance is 3 MHz (for a VSWR of 1.75:1) while the maximum frequency pushing with supply line variations is 1 MHz/V. The model DCRO80100-12 is rated for operating temperatures from -55 to +125 C. The firm offers evaluation boards for the DCRO80100-12 and other of its VCOs, built on high-quality Duroid 4003 printed-circuit-board (PCB) material from Rogers Corp. (www.rogerscorporation.com). In addition to the model DCRO80100-12 VCO, the company offers low-phase-noise VCOs in the same package size for optimized tuning bands ranging from 500 to 3000 MHz.

Synergy Microwave Corp.
201 McLean Blvd.
Paterson, NJ 07504
(973) 881-8800
FAX: (973) 881-8061
e-mail: [email protected]
Internet: www.synergymwave.com.

About the Author

Jack Browne | Technical Contributor

Jack Browne, Technical Contributor, has worked in technical publishing for over 30 years. He managed the content and production of three technical journals while at the American Institute of Physics, including Medical Physics and the Journal of Vacuum Science & Technology. He has been a Publisher and Editor for Penton Media, started the firm’s Wireless Symposium & Exhibition trade show in 1993, and currently serves as Technical Contributor for that company's Microwaves & RF magazine. Browne, who holds a BS in Mathematics from City College of New York and BA degrees in English and Philosophy from Fordham University, is a member of the IEEE.

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