Texas Instruments Inc. introduced a wideband frequency synthesizer with integrated voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) that delivers the industry's lowest phase noise. Its combination of ultra-low noise phase-locked loop (PLL) and phase detector frequency outperforms the competition in both phase noise and spurs. The LMX2581 combines the capability to drive system performance along with the flexibility of a wideband frequency synthesizer that outputs 50 to 3760 MHz.

It allows designers to use one frequency synthesizer to support a variety of demanding applications in wireless infrastructure, radar, medical imaging, defense and aerospace, and test and measurement. In addition, the LMX2581 improves total link power efficiency and communication channel capacity when combined with the following high-speed analog signal chain devices from TI: LMK04828 or LMK04800 clock jitter cleaner; AD42JB69 dual-channel, 16-bit, 250-MSPS analog-to-digital converter (ADC) with JESD204B serial interface or ADC16DV160 dual-channel, 16-bit, 160-MSPS ADC; DAC34SH84 quad-channel, 16-bit, 1.5-GSPS digital-to-analog converter (DAC), and the TRF3705 300-MHz to 4-GHz quadrature modulator. Key features and benefits of the LMX2581 includes: Industry's best phase noise improves RF sensitivity; Multi-core VCO provides maximum flexibility; Low fractional spurs for high RF spectral purity; and integration reduces bill of materials (BOM) costs.

The LMX2581EVAL evaluation module can be purchased for $175. The synthesizer's companion Clock Design Tool and CodeLoader software help speed system design by aiding engineers with product selection, loop filter design and simulation of timing solutions. Both of these tools and other clock design software are available in the WEBENCH(R) Design Center.

Support is available on the Clocks & Timers Forum in the TI E2E(TM) Community, where engineers can ask questions and get answers from TI experts. The LMX2581 is available in a 32-pin, 5-mm x 5-mm QFN package for a suggested retail price of $7.00 in 1,000-unit quantities.