How can I generate a chirp signal for a radar application using the HMC1163 without a PLL?

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Accepted Answer

Normally, a synthesizer with ramping feature (like ADF4159) is used to sweep the Vtune. To generate an upchirp with the HMC1163, you need to feed a 2 to 12V ramp at Vtune. The snapshot below is taken from the ADF4159 DS, which indicates the traditional ways to create a linear ramp.

You could make a ramping voltage using a Digital to Analog Converter (DAC). The challenge of this approach is that it's open loop. So you will not be able to reliably hit your target frequency range. Also while the Frequency Out vs. Vtune transfer function of the VCO is monotonic, it is not linear. So you will have to take account for that when you generate and apply the DAC codes.

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HMC1163 : FAQ