Microwave Journal
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Drop-in Industry Replacement Frequency Synthesizers

April 1, 2009

EM Research has developed the ZLX Series of drop-in frequency synthesizers with models operating from 800 MHz to 3.8 GHz that are replacements for many industry standard PLOs and synthesizers. The ZLX Series is a cost-effective replacement that provides design engineers with improved signal source performance without any need to modify the circuit board or design and can be used in a wide variety of applications.


The ZLX can be custom-designed to operate fixed or programmable from less than 800 MHz to over 3.8 GHz and is housed in a standard commercial surface-mount package. The ZLX offers extremely low phase noise; for example, less than -106 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset and -129 at dBc/Hz at 100 kHz offset at an output frequency of 3.1 GHz. The ZLX Series also provides low power consumption of less than 100 mW at +3.3 VDC operating voltage. Figure 1 shows sample phase noise plots for three different frequencies (1.26, 2.32 and 3.1 GHz).

Figure 1 Phase noise plots for 1.26, 2.32 and 3.1 GHz.

The bandwidth can be fixed or programmable (serial interface) up to 30 percent bandwidth with output power from 0 to +7 dBm. Table 1 shows typical performance parameters for various models over the frequency range available. All models are available in the drop-in replacement housing measuring 0.6 x 0.6 x 0.14 inches (15.24 x 15.24 x 3.6 mm). Figure 2 shows the outline drawing including pin outs.

Table 1 Typical Performance for Select Models

Figure 2 ZLX package outline and pin-out.

The ZLX Series is available for high volume production and can be used in a wide variety of applications including commercial wireless, base station and subsystems, mobile radios, SatCom, point-to-point/multi-point radios, WiMAX, 2G and 3G repeaters, CATV and wireless infrastructure. EM Research provides the option of RoHS and non-RoHS designs on all products including the ZLX Series.

As a cost-effective, pin-for-pin footprint-compatible design, the ZLX Series eliminates the need for rework or modification of the printed circuit board, while providing critical performance advantages over the competing products. The ZLX Series is ideal for design engineers looking for a functionally superior, drop-in industry replacement synthesizer.

EM Research Inc.,
Reno, NV (775) 345-2411,
sales@emresearch.com,
www.emresearch.com.

RS No. 302