I am evaluate the use HMC385 or HMC384 for a FMCW radar application in the freq band of 2.2 GHz to 2.4 GHz (200 MHz BW) with the PLL ADF 4519. The PLL SIM tool ADIsimPLL shows the expected ramp with HMC384 despite the operating range of HMC384 being 2.05 GHz to 2.25 GHz.
Bottom (1st) is the TimeDomain plot and (2nd) is the VCO's Freq vs Volt. In spite the max tuning voltage of 10V corresponds to 2.3 GHz for HMC384 the time domain plot looks good. This tells me that the tool is not exactly modelling the VCO tuning voltage vs Freq. Anyway, please correct me if I am wrong.
My question: Can I use HMC385 (bottom most) and operate it with PLL from 2.2 GHz to 2.4 GHz. As per the Freq vs Voltage plot of HMC385 at 2.2 GHz there is change in the slope. If I am willing to take a hit on whatever that results (probably non-linear ramp) can I use this part with ADF 4159 and operate a triangular ramp from 2.2 GHz to 2.4 GHz? Please let me know.
