Phase Coherent Multi-Channel RF Synthesis

Multi-channel synthesis applications require specific performance parameters that are often overlooked with the design of single channel synthesizer systems. Performance specifications for multi-channel synthesis applications typically require channel to channel, short and long term phase coherence that is not possible with phase-locking an N-number of single channel synthesizers together. This configuration only creates a long term phase-lock ‘average’ between the outputs. Each individual synthesizer also contributes to the short term stability of this system, which is problematic with traditional phase locked synthesizers.

Reprinted with permission of MICROWAVE JOURNAL® from the May 12, 2009 issue, ©2009 Horizon House Publications, Inc.