Low-cost CRO VCO in small package delivers exceptional phase noise

07-12-2020 | Z-Communications | Subs & Systems

The new Z-Communications CRO6550X2-LF uses a doubled CRO oscillator design to cover 6550MHz within a tuning window of 0.3VDC to 4.7VDC. This ceramic resonator VCO offers extremely low phase noise of -102dBc/Hz @ 10kHz and better than -125dBc/Hz at 100kHz offset. Excluding the spectral purity that makes the device even more impressive is that it is offered in the company’s standard MINI-16-SM package measuring 0.5" x 0.5" x 0.22".

The device is ideal for satellite communication systems demanding unmatched performance levels. This low-cost VCO is configured to provide an output power of 0±4dBm into a 50Ohm load and covers the operating frequency with a low Kvco figure of 10MHz/V all while assured to perform over the industrial temperature range of -40C to 85C. It is specified to run off an 8VDC supply while drawing only 25mA of current. The device suppresses both the half and second harmonic to better than -22dBc while restricting pulling to less than 2MHz. It is offered in tape and reel packaging for production needs.

By Natasha Shek