multiple ADF4368 synchronization

Question

Hi, 
 I plan to use ADF4368 for frequency hopping with two PLLs mux (ping-pong). I want to take advantage for ADF4368&rsquo;s built-in &ldquo;EZSync&rdquo; and &ldquo;Phase Resynchronization&rdquo; functions for phased array applications. The rough block diagram is shown as below. To experiment this concept, do you think multiple eval boards can handle this or I need a special custom test board for it? If mulitple EVBs can handle this kind of test, does single ACE GUI handle this or need separate individual GUI per EVB needed? If you have some instructions for multiple EVBs, can you please advise? Also, if you already have the test boards similar like this, can you please let me know if I can buy some? 
 Thanks

emrecangidik · Accepted Answer

Hi younghosuh 
 You can build an experimental setup with two ADF4368 evaluation boards and one LTC6953 evaluation board to test the synchronization feature. ACE GUI can handle multiple sessions, so you can connect all evaluation boards to the same computer with ACE Software. 
 You can connect the two ADF4368 evaluation boards and the LTC6953 board as shown in the below diagram. You can distribute both reference clocks and SYNC signals using the LTC6953 EZsync feature.

The below video can give an idea about the Dual ADF4368 configuration with LTC6953. 
 Synchronizing Multiple Fractional PLLs | Analog Devices 
 Here is the proposed block diagram for the Dual ADF4368 operation shown in the video. We haven't released the board yet. Unfortunately, I don't know the release timeline.

Thanks, 
 Emrecan)

emrecangidik · Answer

Hi Youngho, 
 DC2610A is an active evaluation board and it should be stocked soon. I'll ask around internally what the latest status is. 
 The DC2609A evaluation board is in stock on Digikey. This board contains LTC6952. LTC6952 is an LTC6953 with a PLL. You can use this board by disabling the PLL and on-board VCO. It is also compatible with TimeSync and EZSync. 
 We have another clock distributor part named HMC7043; however, the minimum input frequency of HMC7044 is 400MHz. If your reference frequency is suitable, HMC7043 can provide SYNC signals and reference distribution. 
 HMC7043 is not compatible with TimeSync and EZSync. The only way to sync ADF4368 is to use the SYNC input of ADF4368.

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multiple ADF4368 synchronization