Phase-Locked Loop Frequency Synthesis Methods
By: Vitaly Koslov
This book addresses phase-locked loop (PLL) frequency synthesizers — an essential building block in virtually all RF and microwave systems. Key performance parameters such as frequency range, resolution, phase noise, spurious signals and switching speed fundamentally define synthesizer behavior. In practice, these characteristics often involve mutually exclusive tradeoffs, making the design of modern synthesizers a demanding task when aiming to meet specific application requirements. The book examines these challenges with a particular emphasis on PLL components, especially phase detectors. It reviews a variety of architectures, including several approaches that are not widely covered in existing literature. Rather than focusing heavily on theoretical derivations, the discussion emphasizes practical implementation and real-world design considerations.
The author explores various synthesizer techniques in detail, beginning with fundamental schemes — such as mixer-based, integer-N and fractional-N PLLs and delta-sigma modulation — then progressing toward more advanced and unconventional solutions. In addition, the book introduces original concepts developed by the author, notably a phase-splitting approach. This method enables multiphase comparison using digital techniques, which may offer advantages in certain applications. Several configurations are presented, with claims of meaningful performance improvements over traditional methods.
With its focused scope on PLL synthesizers, this book serves as a valuable resource for engineers and system designers seeking a deeper understanding of frequency synthesis and its critical elements. The material is supported by numerous graphs and block diagrams to clarify and reinforce key concepts. Organized into six chapters, the book provides a comprehensive overview of both the requirements and the practical development of modern synthesizer technologies.
Review by:
Alexander Chenakin, IEEE Fellow
ISBN: 9781685691011
Pages 164
Copyright: 2025
To order this book, contact:
Artech House
us.artechouse.com