
Deploying M/A-COM VCOs:
Buffering, Mounting and Power Supplies
AN3011
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In complex sub-systems, many components will access
the power supply lines, creating the possibility of an
‘infected’ output signal. To counter-act this, it is good
practice to supply a dedicated voltage regulator for the
VCO. This should be as close as possible to the power
supply pin of the VCO, to reduce the track length
available to pick noise up. The regulator should be set-up
following
the
manufacturer’s
recommenda-
tions.Regulators will be a source of noise (like all active
devices), so it is important to use a low noise device to
minimise degradation of the VCO output.
Simpler decoupling may be realised by using a large
decoupling capacitor. When using RF components, such
as a VCO, it can be useful to use a number of capacitors
in parallel. Large value (e.g. >10 F) electrolytic
capacitors (e.g. Tantalum) help remove low frequency
products. Though these capacitors should also remove
higher frequency products, it is good practice to use some
smaller value capacitors in parallel, of a material such as
COG (NPO) or PPS (See Figure 5.)These materials are
very stable and work well at blocking RF signals, but for
large value capacitances they become physically large.
Figure 5 Electrolytic and high performance capacitors in
parallel
Conclusion
M/A-COM VCOs feature low noise and excellent tuning
linearity. With due consideration of the design of interfac-
ing circuitry (output loading and power supplies), these
devices contribute to excellent system performance.
Unfiltered power supplies can produce undesired prod-
ucts in the VCO output spectrum. Careful attention to this
design area helps to ensure that a well-designed system
is not let down by noise and cross-talk appearing on the
output spectrum.
Similarly, the effect of adjacent system elements on VCO
performance must be considered. Additional isolation
from buffering elements will mitigate the poor match often
associated with microwave mixers.
High Value
Electrolytic
Low Value
Ceramic (COG)