Part Number: RBS-RF106
PLL Controller 60 - 1300 MHz 1.3 GHz VHF UHF Band for VCO Oscillator FM ATV Transmitter Receiver TV Tunner Ham Radio Communication Broadcasting
Oscillator circuits are one of the reliable methods widely used in many transmitter and receiver systems to generate a sinus signal at a desired frequency. The frequency of these oscillator circuits can be controlled in a limited frequency band, usually with a reference voltage signal. This type of oscillator is called a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO). For example, the simplest voltage-controlled oscillator can be built with a inductor and a varicap diode; The capacitance of the varicap diode changes with the voltage applied on it, which changes LC resonant frequency. In addition to such circuits, many VCO modules produced by various manufacturers in various bandwidth on a single chip have been released.
FM transmitters, Amateur Television (ATV) transmitters, Ham Radio, Air Band transmitter-receivers, TV tunner receivers, radio receivers are examples of systems that include VCO circuits. Oscillator units alone are not sufficient to produce a stable sinus signal at exactly the desired frequency. The oscillator circuits must be controlled with Phase Locked Loop (PLL) control circuits. In this way, the oscilator circuits can be locked exactly to the desired frequency without error.
Thanks to this PLL Control Module, frequency control of VCO circuits between 60 - 1300 Mhz can be carried out accurately and without error. There are two connections on the module that are important for frequency control: These are the RF signal input as feedback from the VCO unit and the voltage output to control the VCO unit. The controller measures the frequency at the its RF signal input and generates a reference voltage for the VCO to lock the oscillator to the desired frequency. In this way, the VCO units are locked to the desired frequency by the PLL controller. This locking status can only be achieved within the operating frequency bandwidth of the VCO units. The bandwidth of this PLL module covers both VHF and UHF bands. Besides, it has a wide bandwidth between 60 MHz and 1.3 GHz. Frequency control of many oscillators can be provided.
There is one more output on the module other than RF Input and Reference Voltage Output. The state of this output will be “High” after the locking operation has occurred. This output is powered by a transistor and the output voltage can be adjusted with a trimpot. This output is very useful and important. For example, you can turn on/off the preamp stage of the transmitters depending on locking status, and also adjust output power of preamp with the trimpot. Similarly, you can use it as a trigger signal to turn on/off power amp stages.
Thanks to the buttons on the module, the locking frequency, frequency step range, and if desired, the Intermadiate frequency (IF) frequency can be adjusted at receiver mode. Frequency locking status and other operations can be followed on the 2x16 character LCD screen.
To sum it up, this PLL control module is very useful for both test and development for amateurs and professionals interested in FM Transmitter-Receiver, ATV Transmitter-Receiver, Ham Radio and other special broadcast applications.
Applications
- FM transmitters,
- ATV transmitters,
- FM tunner receivers,
- TV tunner receivers,
- Air band transmitters and receivers,
- Ham radio,
- RF signal generators,
- Systems that need carrier or reference signals.
Highlights
- Wide frequency range,
- Phase Locked Loop (PLL) control,
- Very accurate frequency control,
- High stability for locked frequency,
- Adjustable frequency step,
- Intermediate IF frequency setting,
- Fine frequency tuning adjustment for locking,
- “Locked” signal output for triggering external circuits, devices etc. ,
- Reverse polarity protection,
- Possibility of boxing with the ground ring around the circuit and creating a Faraday shield,
- Compact structure for boxing and ease of use,
- SMA connector compatible RF signal input,
- User-friendly with LCD screen and buttons,
- Blue LCD screen light and contrast adjustment,
- Storing the last set frequency.
Technicial Specifications
- Supply: 9 – 15vdc,
- Current drawn: 80 mA,
- Frequency Control: Phase Locked Loop Synth,
- Frequency range: 60 – 1300 MHz, (Band: VHF and UHF)
- Frequency Step Adjustment: 0.05 MHz, 0.1 MHz, 1 MHz, 10 MHz,
- Intermadiate Frequency IF+: 0.0, +10.7 MHz, +38.9 MHz, +100 MHz,
- Intermadiate Frequency IF-: 0.0, -10.7 MHz, -38.9 MHz, -100 MHz,
- PLL frequency locking stability: ± 100Hz Max,
- Fine Tune Adjustment: ± 500Hz Max (crystal controlled, on board),
- RF In Impedance: 50 Ohm,
- RF In Capacitance: 2 pF,
- RF In Max Input Voltage: 5V
- RF In Input Sensivity (Min – Max):
* 60 – 150 MHz → 12 – 300 mV (-25 – 2.6 dBm)
* 150 – 1000 MHz → 9 – 300 mV (-28 – 2.6 dBm)
* 1000 – 1300 MHz → 40 – 300 mV (-15 – 2.6 dBm)
- Voltage Supply for Ref Out: 2.5 – 33V
- Ref Voltage Output Range: **Read the instructions.
- Lock Out Trigger: ***Read the instructions.
- Dimensions: 56 x 100 x 38 mm
Application Instructions
There are 3 important input and output pin groups on this module, except for the main supply input.
- The signal coming from the output of the VCO unit is connected to the “RF_In” input. By measuring the frequency of this signal, the required Vref reference voltage for controling the VCO is produced by the module.
- The reference voltage signal for the VCO is generated over the “VCO_CON” pin group (Pin 1: Vtune Supply, Pin 2: GND, Pin 3: Vref Output, Pin 4: GND). The reference signal output is via the “Vref Output” pin. This output is connected to the voltage control pin of the VCO or tuner.
- ** The supply of the VCO stage of the any system to be controlled is connected to the “Vtune Supply” pin. For example, let's control a TV tuner, its supply voltage is 33V. A 33V supply must be connected to the “Vtune Supply” pin. Another example can be given for an oscillator with a 5V supply: In this case, 5V supply must be connected to the "Vtune Supply" pin. According to the supply voltage connected to this pin, Vref reference control voltage is produced proportionally.
- *** Another output is the “Lock_Out” pin group (Pin 1: Trigger Supply, Pin 2: Trigger Out Signal, Pin 3: GND). As soon as the set frequency is locked, the status of the “ Trigger Out Signal” pin becomes HIGH. The voltage level of this signal is related with the voltage to be connected to the "Trigger Supply" pin. For example, if 12V is connected to the "Trigger Supply" pin, the output signal will be up to 12V. The “Trigger Out Signal” level can be adjusted with the R11 trimpot.
- “Trigger Out Signal” is a transistor amplified signal. The purpose of this output is to open the preamplifier or amplifier stages used after the oscillator stage and to adjust its power with the trimpot. Or it can be used to trigger other devices, relays etc.
Buttons:
By using the buttons on the module alone or together, switching between different functions, the status of the current settings and adjustments can be made.
UP → Frequency steps Up,
UP + STEP → Frequency steps Up faster,
DOWN → Frequency steps Down,
DOWN + STEP → Frequency steps Down faster,
STEP → Shows the set PLL frequency,
MENU + STEP → Select Step Size (0.05, 0.1, 1. 10 MHz)
MENU + UP → Select +IF ( +IF is added on the set frequency. The new value appears on the screen.)
MENU + DOWN → Select -IF ( -IF is subtracted from the set frequency. The new value appears on the screen.)
Functions:
- The frequency and step values selected with the buttons are adjusted automatically. These values are maintained even if the power is turn off.
- Depending on the frequency bandwidth of the VCO to be used with the PLL controller, the locking process takes place. If the adjusted PLL frequency is within the VCO frequency band, locking occurs. When the lock occurs, the text "Lock" is written on the main screen.
- IF frequency is a technique used in broadcasting to receive signals more efficiently. The most commonly used IF frequencies can be adjusted with this module. The IF frequency value is added or subtracted from the set PLL frequency. In this case, the PLL frequency is locked to the new frequency. For example, let the PLL frequency be 964 MHz and the IF frequency +10.7 MHz. In this case, the current locking frequency is 974.7 MHz. If “STEP” button is pressed (STEP button shows current PLL frequency.) PLL frequency will be seen as 974.7 MHz, as shown in screenshot. In this case, for example, if a VCO is controlled, the VCO frequency is set to 974.7 MHz.
