Hi,
I'm working on making a variable frequency clock generator using a PLL based on a TI TLC2933 VCO and an ADF4001 phase detector (instead of the TLC2933's on-board phase detector, as the ADF4001 has a SPI interface, and on-board dividers).
However, the ADF4001 is an RF part and I'm not sure if I'm using it correctly - just wondering if anyone can give me any hints if there is anything wrong with the following setup:
Both devices are on a 3.3V rail. I'm driving the REFin on the ADF4001 with a DC coupled, 4MHz, 3.3V CMOS oscillator - according to the ADF4001 datasheet, 4MHz is OK for a CMOS input if it's DC coupled.
The bit I'm a little unsure about is the RFinA and RFinB inputs. I've decoupled RFinB to ground via a 100pF capacitor and I'm AC coupling RFinA with a 0.1uF capacitor. Also, absolute maximum potential between RFinA and RFinB is +/- 320mV.
As the TLC2933 gives out a 3.3V square wave, I've put its output through a 62k+5.6k potential divider to bring the signal down to 270mV, before connecting to the coupling capacitor on the ADF4001 input.
If any of this sounds like it could cause problems, I'd be interested in hearing what you've got to say.
Thanks,
Steve