Latest Telecom Technical Articles

In this project, we'll construct and test a microcontroller-based system that digitally generates analog signals.

In this project, we'll construct and test a microcontroller-based system that digitally generates analog signals.

Learn how PLLs enable communication in which a clock signal is not transmitted with the data. We’ll look specifically…

Learn how PLLs enable communication in which a clock signal is not transmitted with the data. We’ll look specifically at return-to-zero (RZ) and non-return-to-zero (NRZ) data formats.

This article explains the importance of incorporating delay into the feedback path of a phase/frequency detector (PFD)…

This article explains the importance of incorporating delay into the feedback path of a phase/frequency detector (PFD) and examines its effect on performance.

Learn how using a phase/frequency detector (PFD) in place of a phase detector improves the acquisition range of a PLL.

Learn how using a phase/frequency detector (PFD) in place of a phase detector improves the acquisition range of a PLL.

Learn about this simple sequential phase detector and how it compares to the XOR gate. We'll also examine some key…

Learn about this simple sequential phase detector and how it compares to the XOR gate. We'll also examine some key limitations and circuit implementations.

This article explores the operation of the simplest digital phase detector: the exclusive-OR (XOR) gate.

This article explores the operation of the simplest digital phase detector: the exclusive-OR (XOR) gate.

We examine phase detectors that leverage either the nonlinear characteristics or switching capabilities of diodes to…

We examine phase detectors that leverage either the nonlinear characteristics or switching capabilities of diodes to perform multiplication.

This article explores the operation of the Gilbert-cell phase detector for both small and large signals.

This article explores the operation of the Gilbert-cell phase detector for both small and large signals.

This article explores the Gilbert cell, a widely used analog multiplier circuit.

This article explores the Gilbert cell, a widely used analog multiplier circuit.

Learn how to select the zero frequency, damping factor, and loop bandwidth for one of the most popular PLL configurations.

Learn how to select the zero frequency, damping factor, and loop bandwidth for one of the most popular PLL configurations.

This article explains how Type-2 PLLs with an integrator loop filter outperform Type-1 systems. To do so, we'll examine…

This article explains how Type-2 PLLs with an integrator loop filter outperform Type-1 systems. To do so, we'll examine the PLL behavior for frequency step and frequency ramp inputs.

In this article, we examine how adding a zero to the PLL loop filter affects the transient behavior and steady-state errors.

In this article, we examine how adding a zero to the PLL loop filter affects the transient behavior and steady-state errors.

In this article, we derive design equations for a second-order PLL with a lag-lead filter by examining its Bode plots.

In this article, we derive design equations for a second-order PLL with a lag-lead filter by examining its Bode plots.

Learn how using a pole-zero loop filter improves PLL performance and design flexibility over the simpler lag filter.

Learn how using a pole-zero loop filter improves PLL performance and design flexibility over the simpler lag filter.

In this article, we evaluate the designs of two simple frequency synthesizers to learn how a second-order PLL with a lag…

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.

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

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

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

Higher-order PLLs are more commonly used than first-order PLLs. To explain why, we explore the first-order PLL's behavior…

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.

In this article, we'll use the linearized model of a first-order PLL to understand its response to a simple input change.…

In this article, we'll use the linearized model of a first-order PLL to understand its response to a simple input change. We'll then use Matlab simulations to visualize the signals.