DESIGN

BUFFER AMPLIFIERS

Buffer Amplifiers Solve VCO Problems

a bipolar device, for instance, tor performance, so a buffer stage is often included at oscil- affects the collector-to-base capacitance (Ccb), which in lator outputs. In discussing these uses for buffer turn can alter the oscillation amplifiers, this article focuses on a voltfrequency by affecting the overall tank age-controlled oscillator (VCO) whose resonance (Fig. 1). Another frequency-pulling pheactive device is an NPN bipolar transisnomenon is sometimes referred to as injector. The resulting applications generaltion locking or injection pulling. It conly operate with other active devices as well. cerns the effect of an interfering signal Before discussing the addition of a MARK CRANDALL that is very near the VCOs operating buffer-amplifier stage, consider some Wireless Field Applications Engineer frequency. When an interferers amplitypical VCO characteristics and how Maxim Integrated Products, Inc., 120 tude at the VCO output port is sufficient, isolation problems can degrade perSan Gabriel Dr., Sunnyvale, CA 94086; it can cause the VCO to shift its oscilformance. A common problem, for (408) 737-7600, FAX: (408) 737-7194, lation frequency to match the interferexample, is the frequency change exhibInternet: www.maxim-ic.com. ing frequency.1 Another key perforited by a VCO in response to varying mance factor affected by poor output load conditions (frequency pulling). isolation is phase noise. Much research A change in impedance seen by the has been done in the last few years to VCO output can induce changes in better describe the generation of phase the DC voltages across junctions of noise in oscillators. Conditions that the VCOs active device. A change in produce phase noise include changes in the collector-to-base voltage (Vcb) of load impedance, power reflections back to the VCO output, excessive ground Typical MAX2472 S-parameters current, and radiated coupling due to Frequency (MHz) 900 1900 poor RF layout. The induced voltage S11 (mag, phase) 0.68786, 21.6 0.529663, 44.1 changes can cause bias-current fluctuS21 (mag, phase) 1.764006, 80.4 1.592209, 117.6 ations in the active device, a modulating effect on Ccb, perturbations in ampliS12 (mag, phase) 0.005821, 137.5 0.031189, 173.4 tude, and other subtle problems that S22 (mag, phase) 0.810028, 29.4 0.776247, 61.6 degrade performance.2
tion can produce various mechanisms that disturb oscillavisit PlanetEE.com MICROWAVES & RF

The use of low-cost buffer-amplifier ICs can provide the output isolation needed to improve the frequency stability and noise performance of a VCO.

solation between two circuit stages is often achieved by introducing a buffer amplifier between them. This isolation minimizes adverse effects in a wide range of applications, and especially for those using RF signals. Poor output isola-

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DESIGN
Vcc Vcb Zload + Output

| BUFFER AMPLIFIERS |

Vcontrol

1. Signal power reflected at the output of this typical BJT-based Colpitts VCO can produce fluctuations in the current drain and bias point. As a result, Vcb fluctuations in the transistor modulate Ccb, affecting the oscillator frequency and phase noise.

Adequate VCO isolation also depends on board layout, and whether the VCO is discrete, integrated, or modular. VCO operation can be disturbed by any radiated RF energy coupled to the VCO. The energy can be coupled directly to the VCO or through other circuits or traces connected to the VCO. Even unconnected circuit traces running near the VCO can serve as antennas. Proper layout should always be observed when VCO noise performance is critical. One cause of conducted degradation can be the RF power amplifier (PA) turning on or off, which can cause an impedance change in the signal path or in other circuits, thereby picking up radiated RF energy and conducting it back through the signal path. Good printed-circuit-board (PCB) layout helps to minimize radiated and conducted perturbations of the VCO. Grounding, shielding, and the routing of traces near the VCO can affect VCO operation, as well as the amount of isolation the VCO buffer circuit can achieve. It is also important to understand how these degradation mechanisms manifest themselves during radio operation. Poor output isolation can degrade the phaselocked-loop (PLL) lock time when a reflected signal reaches the VCO. It may be necessary to isolate the phase-

detector input from the receiver (Rx) or transmitter (Tx) to alleviate this problem. High phase noise can also degrade the adjacent-channel protection in either transmit or receive mode. Poor VCO isolation can also result in modulation distortion during transmit operation. Resolving a radiated-interference problem often requires experimentation, but a conducted-interference problem can often be resolved by simply adding a VCO buffer amplifier. An inteVcc

grated buffer such as the MAX2472 is small and provides excellent isolation of the VCO. Its circuit topology is suitable for providing the local oscillator (LO) and phase-detector input signals, while maintaining isolation between them and the VCO. Analysis of the scattering (S)-parameters in the table3 show that the MAX2472 can improve poor VCO output isolation (Fig. 2). The typical isolation achieved between VCO and mixer is approximately 44 dB at 900 MHz and 30 dB at 1900 MHz. The device provides highly stable gains at those frequencies, of 10 and 8 dB, respectively. The MAX2473 integrated-circuit (IC) amplifier makes a good VCO buffer when there is only one signal path at the VCO output. As an added feature, its adjustable bias current minimizes current drain in portable applications. Some VCO isolation problems require extensive analysis, and others are easily overcome. Small, integrated VCO buffers such as the MAX2472/MAX2473 can provide the simple solutions for VCO problems. MRF
REFERENCES
1. B. Razavi, RF Microelectronics, Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1998, pp. 225-226. 2. T.H. Lee and A. Hajimiri, Oscillator Phase Noise: A Tutorial, IEEE Journal of Solid-State Circuits, Vol. 35, March 2000. 3. MAX2472/MAX2473 datasheet, Maxim Integrated Products, Sunnyvale, CA. The latest version is available at www.maxim-ic.com.

Vcc

+
0.01 F Vcc Bias

1.0 F

30 pF Lmatch

0.01 F

To mixer OUT2 VCO IN OUT1 Cmatch To mixer or PLL GND GND Lmatch 30 pF Vcc 0.01 F Cmatch

100 pF

2. At 900 MHz, this IC buffer amplifier (a model MAX2472) provides approximately 10-dB gain and 44-dB isolation between the VCO and the mixer.

MICROWAVES & RF

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