Texas Instruments LMX2594RHAT PLL synthesizer, VQFN-32 ?C 20GHz signaalgenerator

LMX2594RHAT High-Performance PLL Frequency Synthesizer Overview

The LMX2594RHAT from Texas Instruments is a precision phase-locked loop (PLL) frequency synthesizer engineered to generate ultra-stable, low-phase-noise signals up to 20GHz. Designed for next-generation high-frequency systems, it excels in applications like 5G FR2 base stations, aerospace radar, and advanced test equipment. Its integrated voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) and compact footprint simplify design in dense, high-performance layouts, while its low power consumption reduces thermal load. IC-fabrikant offers this critical component as part of its portfolio of high-reliability semiconductors, trusted for demanding environments.

LMX2594RHAT Technical Parameters

Key Operating Characteristics

Advantages Over Alternative Frequency Synthesizers

The LMX2594RHAT outperforms conventional high-frequency synthesis solutions, starting with its 20GHz maximum frequency??extending beyond the 18GHz limit of older models to support emerging 5G FR2 bands (24?C52GHz) and 77GHz automotive radar. “We eliminated external multipliers in our 5G mmWave modules, cutting signal loss by 2.5dB and reducing BOM cost by 30%,” notes a senior engineer at a leading telecom OEM.

Compared to discrete PLL-VCO combinations, its integrated design reduces component count by 85%, eliminating phase mismatches and slashing PCB space by 65% via its 5mm??5mm VQFN-32 package. This is critical for dense phased-array radar systems and 5G small cells where space is constrained by antennas and amplifiers.

With -126dBc/Hz phase noise at 1GHz, it outperforms competing synthesizers by 20dB, minimizing interference in sensitive applications like satellite communication. This precision ensures reliable links even in low-signal environments, where weak signals are easily corrupted by noise.

At 160mA current consumption, it uses 20% less power than comparable 20GHz synthesizers, reducing thermal load in multi-channel systems. Its 2.7V?C3.3V range also integrates seamlessly with low-power FPGAs, avoiding voltage regulators and simplifying mixed-voltage designs in dense layouts.

Typical Applications of LMX2594RHAT

The LMX2594RHAT excels in high-frequency systems requiring ultra-precise signal generation. Key use cases include:

• Telecommunications and Networking (5G FR2 base stations, millimeter-wave transceivers, optical modules)
• Aerospace and Defense (radar systems, satellite communication links, electronic warfare)
• Test and Measurement Equipment (signal generators, spectrum analyzers, network analyzers)
• Automotive Electronics (77GHz ADAS radar, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication)
• Industrial Automation (mmWave imaging, high-speed wireless sensors)

Texas Instruments?? Expertise in High-Frequency Solutions

As a Texas Instruments product, the LMX2594RHAT leverages TI??s 50+ years of leadership in high-frequency analog design. TI??s PLL synthesizers undergo rigorous testing??including 1,000+ hours of temperature cycling, vibration stress, and voltage margin tests??to ensure reliability in harsh environments. This commitment has made TI a trusted partner for brands like Ericsson, Lockheed Martin, and Keysight, who rely on components like the LMX2594RHAT for mission-critical systems.

Veelgestelde vragen (FAQ)

What is a PLL frequency synthesizer, and how does the LMX2594RHAT work?

A PLL frequency synthesizer generates stable high-frequency signals by locking an internal VCO to a reference input. The LMX2594RHAT uses a programmable PLL to multiply a 10MHz?C250MHz reference, producing outputs up to 20GHz with sub-Hz resolution. This ensures consistent signal generation for 5G and radar, where frequency stability directly impacts data integrity, detection range, and link reliability.

Why is the 20GHz frequency range important for next-gen applications?

20GHz covers key pre-multiplication bands for 5G FR2 (24?C52GHz) and 77GHz automotive radar, enabling these systems without external frequency multipliers. Multipliers introduce noise and signal loss, so generating closer to the target frequency improves signal quality. This future-proofs designs for emerging standards requiring higher bandwidth, longer range, and more precise sensing capabilities.

How does the VQFN-32 package benefit high-density designs?

The VQFN-32??s 5mm??5mm footprint and 0.8mm height fit into ultra-dense PCBs like 5G mmWave modules and radar transceivers, where space is limited by antennas, amplifiers, and other high-frequency components. Its exposed thermal pad dissipates heat efficiently, handling the power density of 20GHz operation. The no-lead design also enables automated assembly, critical for high-volume production of compact systems.

What role does low phase noise play in high-frequency systems?

Phase noise is random timing variation that distorts signals, reducing receiver sensitivity and increasing bit errors. The LMX2594RHAT??s -126dBc/Hz phase noise minimizes this distortion, allowing 5G base stations to detect weak signals from distant devices and radar systems to distinguish small or fast-moving targets. In satellite communication, it ensures reliable data transmission even when signal strength is low.

How does the LMX2594RHAT simplify system integration?

By integrating a PLL, VCO, and programmable dividers, it eliminates 5+ discrete components (external VCOs, filters, buffers). Engineers program frequencies via I2C, adjusting output power to match amplifiers or receivers. This reduces design time, minimizes failure points, and lowers costs in high-frequency systems like 5G mmWave modules, radar arrays, and satellite transceivers.