ADRF6603
Rev. A | Page 20 of 32
THEORY OF OPERATION
The ADRF6603 integrates a high performance downconverting
mixer with a state-of-the-art fractional-N PLL. The PLL also
integrates a low noise VCO. The SPI port allows the user to control
the fractional-N PLL functions and the mixer optimization
functions, as well as allowing for an externally applied LO or VCO.
The mixer core within the ADRF6603 is the next generation of
an industry-leading family of mixers from Analog Devices, Inc.
The RF input is converted to a current and then mixed down to IF
using high performance NPN transistors. The mixer output currents
are transformed to a differential output. The high performance active
mixer core results in an exceptional IIP3 and IP1dB, with a very
low output noise floor for excellent dynamic range. Over the
specified frequency range, the ADRF6603 typically provides IF
input P1dB of 14.6 dBm and IIP3 of 27 dBm.
Improved performance at specific frequencies can be achieved
with the use of the internal capacitor DAC (CDAC), which is
programmable via the SPI port, and by using a resistor to a 5 V
supply from the IP3SET pin (Pin 29). Adjustment of the capacitor
DAC allows increments in phase shift at internal nodes in the
ADRF6603, thus allowing cancellation of third-order distortion
with no change in supply current. Connecting a resistor to a 5 V
supply from the IP3SET pin increases the internal mixer core current,
thereby improving overall IIP2 and IIP3, as well as IP1dB. Using
the IP3SET pin for this purpose increases the overall supply current.
The fractional divide function of the PLL allows the frequency
multiplication value from REF_IN to LO output to be a fractional
value rather than be restricted to an integer value as in traditional
PLLs. In operation, this multiplication value is INT + (FRAC/MOD),
where INT is the integer value, FRAC is the fractional value,
and MOD is the modulus value, all programmable via the SPI
port. In other fractional-N PLL designs, fractional multiplication
is achieved by periodically changing the fractional value in a
deterministic way. The disadvantage of this approach is often
spurious components close to the fundamental signal. In the
ADRF6603, a Σ- modulator is used to distribute the fractional
value randomly, thus significantly reducing the spurious content
due to the fractional function.
PROGRAMMING THE ADRF6603
The ADRF6603 is programmed via a 3-pin SPI port. The timing
requirements for the SPI port are shown in Figure 2. Eight pro-
grammable registers, each with 24 bits, control the operation of
the device. The register functions are listed in Table 8.
Table 8. ADRF6603 Register Functions
Register Function
Register 0 Integer divide control for the PLL
Register 1 Modulus divide control for the PLL
Register 2 Fractional divide control for the PLL
Register 3 Σ-Δ modulator dither control
Register 4 PLL charge pump, PFD, reference path control
Register 5 PLL enable and LO path control
Register 6 VCO control and VCO enable
Register 7 Mixer bias enable and external VCO enable
Note that internal calibration for the PLL must be run when the
ADRF6603 is initialized at a given frequency. This calibration is
run automatically whenever Register 0, Register 1, or Register 2 is
programmed. Because the other registers affect PLL performance,
Register 0, Register 1, and Register 2 should always be programmed
last and in this order: Register 0, Register 1, Register 2.
To program the frequency of the ADRF6603, the user typically
programs only Register 0, Register 1, and Register 2. However,
if registers other than these are programmed first, a short delay
should be inserted before programming Register 0. This delay
ensures that the VCO band calibration has sufficient time to
complete before the final band calibration for Register 0 is initiated.
Software is available on the ADRF6603 product page under the
Evaluation Boards & Development Kits section that allows easy
programming from a PC running Windows XP or Vista.
INITIALIZATION SEQUENCE
To ensure proper power-up of the ADRF6603, it is important to
reset the PLL circuitry after the VCC supply rail settles to 5 V ±
0.25 V. Resetting the PLL ensures that the internal bias cells are
properly configured, even under poor supply start-up conditions.
To ensure that the PLL is reset after power-up, follow this procedure:
1. Disable the PLL by setting the PLEN bit to 0 (Register 5,
Bit DB6).
2. After a delay of >100 ms, set the PLEN bit to 1 (Register 5,
Bit DB6).
After this procedure is followed, the other registers should be
programmed in this order: Register 7, Register 6, Register 4,
Register 3, Register 2, Register 1. Then, after a delay of >100 ms,
Register 0 should be programmed.