Data Sheet
AD9520-2
Rev. A | Page 39 of 80
External VCXO/VCO Clock Input (CLK/CLK)
This differential input is used to drive th
e AD9520 clock
distribution section. This input can receive up to 2.4 GHz.
The pins are internally self-biased, and the input signal should
be ac-coupled via capacitors.
VS
CLOCK INPUT
STAGE
CLK
5k
2.5k
07215-
032
Figure 46. CLK Equivalent Input Circuit
The CLK/CLK input can be used either as a distribution only
input (with the PLL off) or as a feedback input for an external
VCO/VCXO using the internal PLL when the internal VCO is
not used. These inputs are also used as a feedback path for the
external zero delay mode.
Holdover Mode
The
AD9520 PLL has a holdover function. Holdover mode
allows the VCO to maintain a relatively constant frequency
even though there is no reference clock. This function is useful
when the PLL reference clock is lost. Holdover is implemented
by placing the charge pump in a high impedance state. Without
this function, the charge pump is placed into a constant pump-up
or pump-down state, resulting in a massive VCO frequency
shift. Because the charge pump is placed in a high impedance
state, any leakage that occurs at the charge pump output or the
VCO tuning node causes a drift of the VCO frequency. This drift
can be mitigated by using a loop filter that contains a large
capacitive component because this drift is limited by the current
leakage induced slew rate (ILEAK/C) of the VCO control voltage.
Both a manual holdover mode, using the SYNC pin, and an
automatic holdover mode are provided. To use either function, the
holdover function must be enabled (Register 0x01D[0]).
Manual/External Holdover Mode
A manual holdover mode can be enabled that allows the user to
place the charge pump into a high impedance state when the
SYNC pin is asserted low. This operation is edge sensitive, not
level sensitive. The charge pump enters a high impedance state
immediately. To take the charge pump out of a high impedance
state, take the SYNC pin high. The charge pump then leaves the
high impedance state synchronously with the next PFD rising
edge from the reference clock. This prevents extraneous charge
pump events from occurring during the time between SYNC
going high and the next PFD event. This also means that the
charge pump stays in a high impedance state if no reference
clock is present.
The B counter (in the N divider) is reset synchronously with the
charge pump, leaving the high impedance state on the reference
path PFD event. This helps align the edges out of the R and N
dividers for faster settling of the PLL. Because the prescaler is not
reset, this feature works best when the B and R numbers are close,
resulting in a smaller phase difference for the loop to settle out.
When using this mode, set the channel dividers to ignore the
SYNC pin (at least after an initial SYNC event). If the dividers are
not set to ignore the SYNC pin, the distribution outputs turn off
when SYNC is taken low to put the part into holdover mode. The
channel divider ignore SYNC function is programmed in Bit 6 of
Register 0x191, Register 0x194, Register 0x197, and Register 0x19A
for Channel Divider 0, Channel Divider 1, Channel Divider 2, and
Channel Divider 3, respectively.
Automatic/Internal Holdover Mode
When enabled, this function automatically places the charge
pump into a high impedance state when the loop loses lock.
The assumption is that the only reason the loop loses lock is due
to the PLL losing the reference clock; therefore, the holdover
function puts the charge pump into a high impedance state to
maintain the VCO frequency as close as possible to the original
frequency before the reference clock disappeared.
The holdover function senses the logic level of the LD pin as a
condition to enter holdover. The signal at LD can be from the
DLD, ALD, or current source LD mode. The LD comparator
can be disabled (Register 0x01D[3]), which causes the holdover
function to always sense LD as being high. If DLD is used, it is
possible for the DLD signal to chatter while the PLL is reacquiring
lock. The holdover function may retrigger, thereby preventing
the holdover mode from terminating. Use of the current source
lock detect mode is recommended to avoid this situation (see the
When in holdover mode, the charge pump stays in a high
impedance state as long as there is no reference clock present.
As in the external holdover mode, the B counter (in the N divider)
is reset synchronously with the charge pump leaving the high
impedance state on the reference path PFD event. This helps
align the edges out of the R and N dividers for faster settling of
the PLL and reduces frequency errors during settling. Because
the prescaler is not reset, this feature works best when the B and
R numbers are close because this results in a smaller phase
difference for the loop to settle out.
After leaving holdover, the loop then reacquires lock, and the
LD pin must go high (if Register 0x01D[3] = 1b) before it can
reenter holdover (CP high impedance).
The holdover function always responds to the state of the currently
selected reference (Register 0x01C). If the loop loses lock during
holdover is triggered briefly until the next reference clock edge
at the PFD.