ADRF6720 LO OUTPUT single ended mode

Question

Hello, 
 I would like to use ADRF6720 LO output to drive ADL5380 LO input. 
 Can I use ADRF6720 LO output pin in single ended mode? 
 Let s say ADRF6720 LO output pin + connected to the ADL and ADRF6720 LO output pin - to the ground via a capacitor. 
 Thanks for your help. 
 Best, 
 Chris

ADIApproved · Accepted Answer

Hi Chris, 
 Both the ADRF6720 LO Output and the ADL5380 LO Input are differential so ideally they would be connected differentially. 
 The LO Output of the ADRF6720 can output approx. +3dBm differentially at maximum setting so this would be 0dBm single ended. 
 The LO Input of the ADL5380 has a minimum input power of -6dBm (differential) so I think this would be -3dBm single ended. 
 So I think in terms of power it should function. However, the ADL5380 datasheet (page 24) mentions single ended LO input can degrade intermodulation performance due to a lack of common mode rejection.