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Analyzing the Lag Filter’s Effect on PLL Performance

Analyzing the Lag Filter’s Effect on PLL Performance

In this article, we evaluate the designs of two simple frequency synthesizers to learn how a second-order PLL with a lag filter can provide a faster rise time than a first-order PLL.


Knowledge and Nostalgia: 2025’s Top Educational Articles

Knowledge and Nostalgia: 2025’s Top Educational Articles

Ring in the new year with this roundup of All About Circuits' most popular educational content, both technical and historical.


News Dec 31, 2025 by Abby Garfinkle
Understanding the Limitations of the Second-Order Type-1 PLL With a Lag Filter

Understanding the Limitations of the Second-Order Type-1 PLL With a Lag Filter

In this article, we analyze the steady-state errors and Bode plots for a second-order PLL with a simple, first-order loop filter.


Analog Devices ADXL366 3-Axis MEMS Accelerometers | New Product Brief

Analog Devices ADXL366 3-Axis MEMS Accelerometers | New Product Brief

Analog Devices ADXL366 3-Axis MEMS Accelerometers designed for always-on motion sensing in compact, battery-powered systems. Watch and learn all about their features, specs, applications, and more!


Introduction to Second-Order Type-1 PLLs

Introduction to Second-Order Type-1 PLLs

Learn how adding a lowpass loop filter to a PLL with a single integrator impacts both the frequency-domain and time-domain response.


Sensibel Eval Kits Support First Studio-Quality Optical MEMS Microphone

Sensibel Eval Kits Support First Studio-Quality Optical MEMS Microphone

Announced today, the Aurora and Polaris development kits enable designs for the company’s studio-grade optical MEMS microphone.


News Dec 10, 2025 by Jake Hertz
Understanding the Limitations of the First-Order PLL

Understanding the Limitations of the First-Order PLL

Higher-order PLLs are more commonly used than first-order PLLs. To explain why, we explore the first-order PLL's behavior in response to two inputs: a frequency step and frequency ramp.


Nisshinbo NL9620 Precision Instrumentation Amplifiers | Digital Datasheet

Nisshinbo NL9620 Precision Instrumentation Amplifiers | Digital Datasheet

Nisshinbo NL9620 Precision Instrumentation Amplifiers delivers highly accurate, low-noise signal amplification designed for demanding measurement and sensing applications. Watch and learn all about their features, specs, applications, and more!


Analog Devices Rolls Out Rail-to-Rail Amplifier With Low Supply Current

Analog Devices Rolls Out Rail-to-Rail Amplifier With Low Supply Current

ADI built the new dual amplifier to improve low-power, single-supply designs.


News Nov 28, 2025 by Jake Hertz
Building High-Performance RF Systems with the Qorvo QPF5001 | Tech Guide

Building High-Performance RF Systems with the Qorvo QPF5001 | Tech Guide

In this Tech Guide from Mouser Electronics, explore how the Qorvo QPF5001 Dual-Channel 12W Transmit/Receive Module simplifies high-performance X-band RF design with integrated PA, LNA, and built-in limiter in a compact 6 mm × 5 mm package. Watch now to get started!


Tech Teardown | 4 Channel Audio Interface Sound Board Mixing Console System Monitor | Mouser Electronics

Tech Teardown | 4 Channel Audio Interface Sound Board Mixing Console System Monitor | Mouser Electronics

In this episode of Tech Teardown, sponsored by Mouser Electronics, we take apart a soundboard to explore the component choices, circuit design techniques, and overall build quality. Watch and find out!


Analyzing a First-Order PLL in Acquisition Mode With a Nonlinear Model

Analyzing a First-Order PLL in Acquisition Mode With a Nonlinear Model

In this article, we'll use a nonlinear mathematical model to improve our understanding of how a first-order PLL locks to a signal.


Polyn Implements Its NASP Tech Into Voice Activity Detection Chip

Polyn Implements Its NASP Tech Into Voice Activity Detection Chip

The company’s first silicon-proven NASP device delivers microwatt-level, real-time voice processing at the sensor edge.


News Nov 10, 2025 by Jake Hertz
Foundations for PLL Nonlinear Analysis: Modeling the Phase Detector and VCO

Foundations for PLL Nonlinear Analysis: Modeling the Phase Detector and VCO

The phase-locked loop (PLL) is widely used in contemporary analog and digital communication systems. In this article, we develop a nonlinear model for the analog PLL by analyzing its key components.


FM Demodulation Using a Phase-Locked Loop

FM Demodulation Using a Phase-Locked Loop

PLL demodulators are popular, easy to implement, and offer superior noise performance compared to many other FM demodulator circuits. Learn how they operate in this article.


Basic Principles and Implementation of the Quadrature FM Demodulator

Basic Principles and Implementation of the Quadrature FM Demodulator

Learn how an analog multiplier or AND gate can function as a quadrature detector for FM demodulation.


µA741: The Op Amp That Made Analog Simple

µA741: The Op Amp That Made Analog Simple

Released in 1968 by Fairchild, the µA741 brought internal frequency compensation and short-circuit protection to the op-amp world.


News Oct 24, 2025 by Luke James
FM-to-AM Conversion Using the Foster-Seeley Discriminator

FM-to-AM Conversion Using the Foster-Seeley Discriminator

Learn how the Foster-Seeley discriminator, a classic analog circuit for FM demodulation, achieves its superior linearity.


Understanding Slope Detectors for FM Demodulation

Understanding Slope Detectors for FM Demodulation

In this article, we'll analyze the single-tuned discriminator for FM-to-AM conversion. We'll then discuss the balanced discriminator and how it provides improved linearity across a wider bandwidth.


Introduction to Frequency Discriminators for FM Demodulation

Introduction to Frequency Discriminators for FM Demodulation

In this article, we will examine the basic principles of FM demodulation through the simplest frequency discriminator: a differentiator.