© 2006 Jackson-Labs
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FireFox Synthesizer User Manual
1.6 Detailed Overview
The following paragraphs provide an in-depth overview of the features, applications and capabilities
of the FireFox Signal Generators.
1.6.1 Applications
The FireFox Synthesizer has five outputs to provide signals to applications that require a low-noise,
low jitter, accurate and stable frequency signal. All outputs are driven in parallel, limited to their
respective frequency operating ranges as indicated by their “VALID” LED’s which are located
adjacent to their respective outputs. Any variety of outputs may be used independently of each other.
Applications include generating arbitrary frequencies with high accuracy and low noise for
calibrating instruments, operating as an in-house frequency and time standard, design and
development of digital circuits, VLSI chips, memory interfaces, and microprocessors, designing and
debugging PLL circuits, and driving mixers and other RF equipments’ local oscillator inputs. With
the frequency sweep features it is possible to use the FireFox synthesizer to design Microwave
equipment, to measure S11 and S12 performance of filters, cables, and amplifiers etc. The units can
also be used as HAM frequency generators, and for any other application where arbitrary highly
precise and accurate, and non-standard frequencies must be generated.
Figure 1.5 FireFox Synthesizer Block Diagram
32bit RISC
Controller
10MHz Low
Phase Noise
OCXO
GPS DISCIPLINED
FREQUENCY
REFERENCE
GPS Timing
Receiver
Microcontroller
GPS
ANTENNA
1GHz
Reference PLL
1PPS
OUT
10.0MHz
1.0GHz
10MHz
OUT
DC-410MHz
DDS
1Gs/s DAC
RS-232
RS-232
LPF
Power Supplies
10V
3.3V
5V
-5V
110-220V AC
LCD
400-800MHz
PLL
800MHz-
1.64GHz PLL
MUX
FireFox Synthesizer
Block Diagram
(c) 2005 Jackson-Labs
Variable
Gain
Amp
CMOS
BUFFER
LVDS
BUFFER
RF-OUT
2MHz-1640MHz
-40 - +10dbm
CMOS-OUT
0Hz-350MHz
3.3/5Vpp
LVDS-OUT
10MHz-1640MHz
300mVpp
Generic
Broadband
Mixer
IF-OUT
0.3MHz-350MHz
RF-IN
3MHz-2000MHz
LO-IN
3MHz-2000MHz
LPF
MIXER
Summary of Contents for FireFox
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