Braintree, Essex, UK — Featuring internal TCXO references, the APL-04 series phase locked oscillator (PLO) from AtlanTecRF provides high frequency stability without the need for an external system reference. The fundamental output frequency in the range 300 MHz to 14 GHz is generated using either a coaxial resonator or dielectric resonator, depending on the frequency. Applying the company's PLL technology, it is locked to the TCXO reference to provide stability over a -20 to +70 degrees Celsius temperature range of better than ±1 ppm.
Standard TCXO frequencies include 10, 25 and 50 MHz but almost any in-between frequency can be selected to provide the desired output frequency at integral multiples.
The output power of all units is +13 dBm minimum as standard, while additional power levels up to +20 dB are available as options. Output power stability over temperature is just ±2 dB maximum. Spectral purity performance includes harmonics of -20 dBc minimum and -25 dBc typical, spurious of -80 dBc and typical phase noise of a 4 GHz unit of -110 dBc/Hz at 10 KHz offset.
The internal regulator allows operation from input voltages in the range +11 to +16 V and the current draw is less that 300 mA. The regulator also deals adequately with any frequency pushing issues, while the RF output will work well into a 2.5:1 VSWR load.
The size of the phase locked oscillator is industry standard at 2.25 x 2.25 x 0.62 inches (57.2 x 57.2 x 15.8 mm). The RF output connector is SMA female stainless steel, while a second SMA output connector is also provided to deliver the reference frequency, if required, to other parts of the user's system. One other important and standard feature is the TTL lock alarm output via filtered feedthrough connectors.
It is anticipated that these small, rugged, compact and self-contained devices will find applications in a wide variety of satellite communications, defence, research and industrial microwave programmes. Beyond the basic PLO it is possible to specify modular sub-assemblies including amplification, frequency mixing or multiplication and filtering functions as part of a more complex RF/microwave system.
For further information visit www.atlanticmicrowave.co.uk.
