Best approach to sweep 410-525 MHz? PLL/VCO vs ramped timer vs sweep-IC?

[farantastic]

I want to design a frequency synthesizer with a frequency sweep covering 410-525 MHz. I’m considering several approaches but want advice on real-world practicality:

• Simple ramp voltage → timer IC → ??? (drive a timer or oscillator with a ramp) but is this realistic at VHF/UHF???
• Frequency synthesizer (programmable divider → PFD → charge pump → VCO) but what are realistic expectations on sweep linearity and settling time???
• Sweep generator IC but are there readily available ICs that produce a linear sweep in this band???
• Other approaches like direct VCO with varactor + linearized ramp, DDS + up conversion, fractional-N PLL or hybrid methods.

I need a continuous linear frequency sweep (chirp). Target is 10 ms (100 sweeps/sec) for a full sweep.

 

[Delta Prime]

I want to design a frequency synthesizer with a frequency sweep covering 410-525 MHz. I’m considering several approaches but want advice on real-world practicality

Money cost time real world, practicality, and precision
I would go Oven Controlled, Crystal Oscillator or OCXO. Standard fixed frequency From 50 MHz to 700 MHz.
Or for learning purposes, you can go VHF OCXO 25 MHz to 150 MHz.Then you can add your support circuitry. Multiplier,divider filter,PLL,then amplify.
Just my humble opinion.
You can find OCXO’s with a natural mount Resonant frequency of approximately 30 to 40 Hz.
They will exceed your requirements

Target is 10 ms (100 sweeps/sec) for a full sweep.

Enjoy the rest of the day I gotta go…

 

[danadak]

DDS - https://www.analog.com/en/parametricsearch/2419#/

Analog Devices also have oscillators and PLL based synthesizers.

Regards, Dana.

 

[Sunnysky]

Best for what? resolution? Phase noise ? cost?
Analog Devices ADF4355 or Texas Instruments LMX2594.
e.g. https://www.analog.com/media/en/technical-documentation/user-guides/EV-ADF4355SD1Z_UG-805.pdf

LMX2594 data sheet, product information and support | TI.com

TI’s LMX2594 is a 15-GHz wideband PLLatinum™ RF synthesizer with phase synchronization and JESD204B support. Find parameters, ordering and quality information

www.ti.com

https://www.ti.com/lit/an/sbaa653a/sbaa653a.pdf