top of page
Writer's pictureRobert Colee

The Phase Locked Loop (PLL) is an electronic control system that synchronizes the output of

Describe the principal of phase lock loop and its ability to correct the resonance of the signal to a tuned circuit that may have frequency stability issues.

ChatGPT The Phase Locked Loop (PLL) is an electronic control system that synchronizes the output of an oscillator with a reference signal by maintaining a constant phase difference between the two. It is widely used in communication systems, frequency synthesis, and control systems to correct frequency stability issues in a tuned circuit. The principal components of a PLL include:

  1. Phase Detector (PD): This component compares the phase difference between the reference signal and the feedback signal from the Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO). It generates an error signal proportional to the phase difference.

  2. Low-Pass Filter (LPF): This component filters the error signal from the phase detector, removing high-frequency noise and producing a smooth voltage signal.

  3. Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO): This is a tunable oscillator whose frequency is controlled by the input voltage (filtered error signal). It generates an output signal that is fed back to the phase detector.

  4. Feedback Divider: In some PLL configurations, a frequency divider may be used to scale the VCO output signal to a lower frequency before feeding it back to the phase detector.

The PLL's ability to correct the resonance of a signal to a tuned circuit with frequency stability issues lies in its closed-loop feedback mechanism. When the reference and VCO signals are not in phase, the phase detector generates an error signal. This error signal passes through the low-pass filter and controls the VCO's frequency. The VCO adjusts its frequency until the phase difference is minimized, effectively locking the output signal to the reference signal's frequency. This process allows the PLL to track and correct frequency drifts in the tuned circuit, maintaining a stable output frequency even when the reference or tuned circuit frequency changes due to environmental factors, component aging, or manufacturing tolerances. By continuously adjusting the VCO frequency based on the phase difference, the PLL can maintain frequency stability and lock the output signal to the desired frequency.

show how the circuits are connected

ChatGPT In a basic Phase Locked Loop (PLL) configuration, the principal components are connected in the following sequence:

  1. The reference signal and the feedback signal from the VCO are connected as inputs to the Phase Detector (PD). The phase difference between these signals is determined by the PD.

  2. The output of the Phase Detector, which is the error signal, is connected to the input of the Low-Pass Filter (LPF). The LPF filters out high-frequency noise and smooths the error signal.

  3. The output of the Low-Pass Filter is connected to the input of the Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO). The filtered error signal controls the VCO's frequency.

  4. The output of the VCO serves two purposes: it is the PLL's output signal and is also fed back to the Phase Detector as the feedback signal. In some configurations, a Feedback Divider may be placed between the VCO output and the PD to scale the feedback frequency.

A simplified block diagram representation of a PLL is as follows: luaCopy code Reference Signal | v +----------+ | Phase |-----> Error Signal | Detector |<----- Feedback Signal +----------+ ^ | | v | +----------+ | | Low-Pass | | | Filter | | +----------+ | | | v | +----------+ | | Voltage |-----> Output Signal | Controlled | | Oscillator | +----------+ | | | +----------------+ (Feedback path) This block diagram shows the flow of signals between the components of a PLL. The closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that the PLL can track and correct frequency drifts in the tuned circuit, maintaining a stable output frequency.

Reference Signal | v +----------+ | Phase |-----> Error Signal | Detector |<----- Feedback Signal +----------+ ^ | | v | +----------+ | | Low-Pass | | | Filter | | +----------+ | | | v | +----------+ | | Voltage |-----> Output Signal | Controlled | | Oscillator | +----------+ | | | +----------------+ (Feedback path) recommend low cost available components readily available and their pin connections

ChatGPT To build a basic PLL circuit, you can use the following low-cost, readily available components:

  1. Phase Detector: CD4046 or 74HC4046 - These are CMOS phase-locked loop (PLL) ICs with integrated voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) and phase comparators. They are widely available and affordable.

Pin connections for CD4046 / 74HC4046:

  • VDD (Pin 16): Connect to the positive supply voltage (+5V to +12V)

  • VSS (Pin 8): Connect to the ground (0V)

  • IN1 (Pin 14) and IN2 (Pin 3): Connect to the reference and feedback signals, respectively

  • OUT (Pin 13): Connect to the output of the phase detector (error signal)

  1. Low-Pass Filter: The LPF can be a simple passive RC filter consisting of a resistor (R) and a capacitor (C). The values of R and C depend on the desired cut-off frequency and can be determined using the formula: f_c = 1/(2 * π * R * C).

  • Connect the resistor between the output of the phase detector (Pin 13 of CD4046) and the input of the VCO (Pin 9 of CD4046).

  • Connect the capacitor between the input of the VCO and the ground.

  1. Voltage Controlled Oscillator: The VCO is already integrated into the CD4046 / 74HC4046 IC.

Pin connections for CD4046 / 74HC4046:

  • VCO_IN (Pin 9): Connect to the output of the low-pass filter

  • VCO_OUT (Pin 4): Connect to the output signal and feedback path

  1. Feedback Divider (optional): CD4017 Decade Counter or 74HC390 Dual Decade Ripple Counter can be used to divide the VCO output frequency. These components are also widely available and affordable.

For CD4017:

  • VDD (Pin 16): Connect to the positive supply voltage (+5V to +12V)

  • VSS (Pin 8): Connect to the ground (0V)

  • CLOCK (Pin 14): Connect to the VCO_OUT (Pin 4 of CD4046)

  • Q0-Q9 (Pins 3, 2, 4, 7, 10, 1, 5, 6, 9, 11): Connect one of these outputs to the IN2 (Pin 3 of CD4046) based on the desired division ratio (divide by 1 to 10)

For 74HC390:

  • VCC (Pin 16): Connect to the positive supply voltage (+5V)

  • GND (Pin 8): Connect to the ground (0V)

  • CLOCK (Pin 1 or Pin 9): Connect to the VCO_OUT (Pin 4 of CD4046)

  • Q0-Q3 (Pins 4, 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 15): Connect one of these outputs to the IN2 (Pin 3 of CD4046) based on the desired division ratio (divide by 2 to 10)

These are just examples of low-cost components you can use to build a PLL circuit. Depending on the application and specific requirements, you may need to use different components with different specifications. Always consult the respective datasheets for a detailed understanding of each component and its pin connections.

8 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

GlobalRobotics QC

Quantum computers are a type of computing technology that use the principles of quantum mechanics to perform calculations. While...

Mindful Monday memo

Mind mapping is a visual technique that helps organize and present information in a hierarchical and interconnected manner. It is a...

Comentários


bottom of page