Microwave Wideband Synthesizer 
with Integrated VCO 
ADF5355 
GENERAL DESCRIPTION 
The ADF5355 allows implementation of fractional-N or 
integer-N phase-locked loop (PLL) frequency synthesizers 
when used with an external loop filter and an external reference 
frequency. The wideband microwave VCO design permits 
frequency operation from 6.8 GHz to 13.6 GHz at one radio 
frequency (RF) output. A series of frequency dividers at another 
frequency output permits operation from 54 MHz to 6800 MHz.  
The ADF5355 has an integrated VCO with a fundamental 
output frequency ranging from 3400 MHz to 6800 MHz. In 
addition, the VCO frequency is connected to divide by 1, 2, 4, 8, 
16, 32, or 64 circuits that allow the user to generate RF output 
frequencies as low as 54 MHz. For applications that require 
isolation, the RF output stage can be muted. The mute function 
is both pin and software controllable.  
Control of all on-chip registers is through a simple 3-wire interface. 
The ADF5355 operates with analog and digital power supplies 
ranging from 3.15 V to 3.45 V, with charge pump and VCO 
supplies from 4.75 V to 5.25 V. The  ADF5355 also contains 
hardware and software power-down modes. 
Data Sheet 
FEATURES 
RF output frequency range: 54 MHz to 13,600 MHz 
Fractional-N synthesizer and integer-N synthesizer 
High resolution 38-bit modulus 
Phase frequency detector (PFD) operation to 125 MHz 
Reference frequency operation to 600 MHz 
Maintains frequency lock over −40°C to +85°C 
Low phase noise, voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) 
Programmable divide by 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, or 64 output 
Analog and digital power supplies: 3.3 V 
Charge pump and VCO power supplies: 5 V, typical 
Logic compatibility: 1.8 V 
Programmable dual modulus prescaler of 4/5 or 8/9 
Programmable output power level 
RF output mute function 
Analog and digital lock detect 
Supported in the ADIsimPLL design tool 
APPLICATIONS 
Wireless infrastructure (W-CDMA, TD-SCDMA,  
WiMAX, GSM, PCS, DCS, DECT) 
Point to point/point to multipoint microwave links 
Satellites/VSATs 
Test equipment/instrumentation 
Clock generation 
CE
AVDD
FUNCTIONAL BLOCK DIAGRAM 
VVCO
DVDD
AVDD
VP
RSET
VRF
REFINA
B
REFIN
CLK
DATA
LE
×2
DOUBLER
10-BIT R
COUNTER
÷2
DIVIDER
DATA REGISTER
FUNCTION
LATCH
INTEGER
REG
FRACTION
REG
MODULUS
REG
THIRD-ORDER
FRACTIONAL INTERPOLATOR
MULTIPLEXER
LOCK
DETECT
CHARGE
PUMP
PHASE
COMPARATOR
VCO
CORE
×2
N COUNTER
÷ 1/2/4/8/
16/32/64
OUTPUT
STAGE
OUTPUT
STAGE
MULTIPLEXER
ADF5355
AGND
CPGND
AGNDRF
SDGND
AGNDVCO
Figure 1.  
MUXOUT
CREG1
CREG2
CPOUT
VTUNE
VREF
VBIAS
VREGVCO
RFOUTB
PDBRF
RFOUTA+
RFOUTA–
1
0
0
-
4
1
7
2
1
Rev. A 
Document Feedback 
Information  furnished  by  Analog  Devices  is  believed  to  be  accurate  and  reliable.  However,  no 
responsibility is assumed by Analog Devices for its use, nor for any infringements of patents or other 
rights of third parties that may result from its use. Specifications subject to change without notice. No 
license is granted by implication or otherwise under any patent or patent rights of Analog Devices. 
Trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners. 
One  Technology  Way,  P.O.  Box  9106,  Norwood,  MA  02062-9106,  U.S.A. 
Tel: 781.329.4700  ©2014–2015 Analog Devices, Inc. All rights reserved. 
Technical Support 
www.analog.com  
ADF5355 
TABLE OF CONTENTS 
Features .............................................................................................. 1 
Applications ....................................................................................... 1 
General Description ......................................................................... 1 
Functional Block Diagram .............................................................. 1 
Revision History ............................................................................... 3 
Specifications ..................................................................................... 4 
Timing Characteristics ................................................................ 7 
Absolute Maximum Ratings ............................................................ 8 
Transistor Count ........................................................................... 8 
ESD Caution .................................................................................. 8 
Pin Configuration and Function Descriptions ............................. 9 
Typical Performance Characteristics ........................................... 11 
Circuit Description ......................................................................... 16 
Reference Input ........................................................................... 16 
RF N Divider ............................................................................... 16 
Phase Frequency Detector (PFD) and Charge Pump ............ 17 
MUXOUT and Lock Detect ...................................................... 17 
Input Shift Registers ................................................................... 17 
Program Modes .......................................................................... 18 
VCO.............................................................................................. 18 
Output Stage ................................................................................ 18 
Register Maps .................................................................................. 20 
Register 0 ..................................................................................... 22 
Register 1 ..................................................................................... 23 
Register 2 ..................................................................................... 24 
Data Sheet 
Register 3 ..................................................................................... 25 
Register 4 ..................................................................................... 26 
Register 5 ..................................................................................... 27 
Register 6 ..................................................................................... 28 
Register 7 ..................................................................................... 30 
Register 8 ..................................................................................... 31 
Register 9 ..................................................................................... 31 
Register 10 ................................................................................... 32 
Register 11 ................................................................................... 32 
Register 12 ................................................................................... 33 
Register Initialization Sequence ............................................... 33 
Frequency Update Sequence ..................................................... 33 
RF Synthesizer—A Worked Example ...................................... 34 
Reference Doubler and Reference Divider ............................. 34 
Spurious Optimization and Fast Lock ..................................... 34 
Optimizing Jitter ......................................................................... 34 
Spur Mechanisms ....................................................................... 35 
Lock Time.................................................................................... 35 
Applications Information .............................................................. 36 
Power Supplies ............................................................................ 36 
Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Design Guidelines for a 
Chip-Scale Package .................................................................... 36 
Output Matching ........................................................................ 37 
Outline Dimensions ....................................................................... 38 
Ordering Guide .......................................................................... 38 
Rev. A | Page 2 of 38 
Data Sheet 
REVISION HISTORY 
2/15—Rev. 0 to Rev. A 
Changed Register 5, Bit DB5 Value from 0 to 1 ........ Throughout 
Changed Register 5 Default Value from 0x00800005 to 
0x00800025 .................................................................... Throughout 
Changed Register 8 Default Value from 0x102D4028 to 
0x102D0428 ................................................................... Throughout 
Changes to Table 1 ............................................................................ 4 
Changed Timing Diagram Section to Write Timing Diagram 
Section ................................................................................................ 7 
Changes to Table 4 .......................................................................... 10 
Changes to Figure 4 to Figure 6 .................................................... 11 
Added Figure 7 to Figure 9; Renumbered Sequentially ............. 11 
Changes to Figure 10 to Figure 18 ................................................ 12 
Changes to Figure 20 ...................................................................... 13 
Changes to Figure 23 and Figure 27 ............................................. 14 
Changes to Figure 28 to Figure 30 and Figure 31 Caption ........ 15 
Changes to Reference Input Section and INT, FRAC, MOD, 
and R Counter Relationship Section ............................................ 16 
Changes to Phase Frequency Detector (PFD) and Charge Pump 
Section .............................................................................................. 17 
Changes to VCO Section and Output Stage Section .................. 18 
ADF5355 
Changes to Automatic Calibration (AUTOCAL) Section ......... 22 
Changes to Figure 43 ...................................................................... 24 
Changes to MUXOUT Section ...................................................... 26 
Changes to Reference Mode Section and Counter Reset 
Section .............................................................................................. 27 
Changes to Negative Bleed Section ............................................... 28 
Changes to Charge Pump Bleed Current Section ....................... 29 
Changes to Register 9 Section, VCO Band Division Section, 
Timeout Section, Automatic Level Calibration Timeout Section, 
and Synthesizer Lock Timeout Section ........................................ 31 
Changes to ADC Conversion Clock (ADC_CLK_DIV)  
Section .............................................................................................. 32 
Changes to Phase Resync Clock Divider Value Section and 
Frequency Update Sequence Section............................................ 33 
Changes to RF Synthesizer—A Worked Example Section ........ 34 
Changes to Lock Time Section and Automatic Level 
Calibration Timeout Section ......................................................... 35 
Added Lock Time—A Worked Example Section ....................... 35 
10/14—Revision 0: Initial Version 
Rev. A | Page 3 of 38 
ADF5355 
Data Sheet 
SPECIFICATIONS 
AVDD = DVDD = VRF = 3.3 V ± 5%, 4.75 V ≤ VP = VVCO ≤ 5.25 V, AGND = CPGND = AGNDVCO = SDGND = AGNDRF = 0 V, RSET = 5.1 kΩ, dBm referred 
to 50 Ω, TA = TMIN to TMAX, unless otherwise noted.  
Symbol  Min 
Typ 
Max 
Unit 
Test Conditions/Comments 
Table 1. 
Parameter 
REFINA/REFINB CHARACTERISTICS 
Input Frequency 
Single-Ended Mode 
Differential Mode 
Input Sensitivity 
Single-Ended Mode 
Differential Mode 
Input Capacitance 
Single-Ended Mode 
Differential Mode 
Input Current 
Phase Detector Frequency 
CHARGE PUMP (CP) 
Charge Pump Current, Sink/Source 
ICP 
High Value 
Low Value 
RSET Range  
Current Matching 
ICP vs. VCP 
ICP vs. Temperature 
LOGIC INPUTS 
Input High Voltage 
Input Low Voltage 
Input Current  
Input Capacitance 
LOGIC OUTPUTS 
Output High Voltage 
Output High Current 
Output Low Voltage  
POWER SUPPLIES  
Analog Power 
Digital Power and RF Supply Voltage 
Charge Pump and VCO Supply Voltage 
Charge Pump Supply Power Current 
DIDD + AIDD
Output Dividers 
3 
1.5 
DVDD − 
0.4 
1.5 
VINH 
VINL 
IINH/IINL 
CIN 
VOH 
IOH 
VOL 
AVDD 
DVDD, VRF 
VP, VVCO 
IP 
3.15 
4.75 
Supply Current 
IVCO 
10 
10 
0.4 
0.4 
For f < 10 MHz, ensure slew rate > 
21 V/µs 
REFINA biased at AVDD/2;  
ac coupling ensures AVDD/2 bias 
LVDS and LVPECL compatible,  
REFINA/REFINB biased at 2.1 V;  
ac coupling ensures 2.1 V bias 
Single-ended reference programmed 
Differential reference programmed 
250 
600 
MHz 
MHz 
AVDD 
V p-p 
1.8 
V p-p 
pF 
pF 
µA 
µA 
MHz 
±60 
±250 
125 
mA 
mA 
kΩ 
% 
% 
% 
V 
V 
µA 
pF 
V 
V 
µA 
V 
V 
V 
mA 
mA 
mA 
0.6 
±1 
500 
0.4 
3.45 
5.25 
9 
69 
85 
RSET = 5.1 kΩ 
Fixed 
0.5 V ≤ VCP
0.5 V ≤ VCP
VCP
1 = 2.5 V 
1 ≤ VP − 0.5 V  
1 ≤ VP − 0.5 V 
1.8 V output selected 
IOL
2 = 500 µA 
See Table 6  
Voltages must equal AVDD 
VP must equal VVCO 
Each output divide by 2 consumes 
6 mA 
6.9 
1.4 
4.8 
0.3 
5.1 
3 
3 
1.5 
3.0 
1.8 
AVDD 
5.0 
8 
62 
6 to 
36 
70 
Rev. A | Page 4 of 38 
Data Sheet 
Parameter 
RFOUTA±/RFOUTB Supply Current 
Symbol  Min 
IRFOUTx± 
Typ 
Max 
Unit 
Low Power Sleep Mode 
RF OUTPUT CHARACTERISTICS 
VCO Frequency Range 
RFOUTB Output Frequency 
RFOUTA+/RFOUTA− Output Frequency 
VCO Sensitivity 
Frequency Pushing (Open-Loop) 
Frequency Pulling (Open-Loop) 
KV 
Harmonic Content 
Second 
Third 
Fundamental VCO Feedthrough 
RF Output Power4 
RF Output Power Variation 
RF Output Power Variation (over Frequency) 
Level of Signal with RF Output Disabled 
NOISE CHARACTERISTICS 
Fundamental VCO Phase Noise Performance 
20 
35 
50 
70 
16 
30 
42 
55 
500 
1000 
3400 
6800 
53.125 
6800 
13600 
6800 
15 
15 
0.5 
30 
−27 
−22 
−20 
−12 
−8 
−55 
+8 
−3 
1 
−1 
±1 
±1 
±6 
±4 
−60 
−30 
−15 
−17 
−116 
−136 
−138 
−155 
−113 
−133 
−135 
−153 
−110 
−130 
−132 
−150 
Rev. A | Page 5 of 38 
ADF5355 
Test Conditions/Comments 
RFOUTA± output stage is 
programmable; enabling RFOUTB 
draws negligible extra current 
−4 dBm setting 
−1 dBm setting 
2 dBm setting 
5 dBm setting 
Hardware power-down selected 
Software power-down selected 
Fundamental VCO range 
2× VCO output (RFOUTB) 
Voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) = 
2:1 RFOUTA+/RFOUTA− 
VSWR = 2:1 RFOUTB 
Fundamental VCO output (RFOUTA+) 
Divided VCO output (RFOUTA+) 
Fundamental VCO output (RFOUTA+) 
Divided VCO output (RFOUTA+) 
RFOUTB = 10 GHz 
RFOUTA+/RFOUTA− = 1 GHz; 
VCO frequency = 4 GHz 
RFOUTA+ = 1 GHz; 7.5 nH inductor to VRF 
RFOUTA+/RFOUTA− = 6.8 GHz; 
7.5 nH inductor to VRF 
RFOUTB = 6.8 GHz 
RFOUTB = 13.6 GHz 
RFOUTA+/RFOUTA− = 5 GHz  
RFOUTB = 10 GHz 
RFOUTA+/RFOUTA− = 1 GHz to 6.8 GHz 
RFOUTB = 6.8 GHz to 13.6 GHz 
RFOUTA+/RFOUTA− = 1 GHz  
RFOUTA+/RFOUTA− = 6.8 GHz  
RFOUTB = 6.8 GHz 
RFOUTB = 13.6 GHz 
mA 
mA 
mA 
mA 
µA 
µA 
MHz 
MHz 
MHz 
MHz/V 
MHz/V 
MHz 
MHz 
dBc 
dBc 
dBc 
dBc 
dBm 
dBc 
dBm 
dBm 
dBm 
dBm 
dB 
dB 
dB 
dB 
dBm 
dBm 
dBm 
dBm 
dBc/Hz 
dBc/Hz 
dBc/Hz 
dBc/Hz 
dBc/Hz 
dBc/Hz 
dBc/Hz 
dBc/Hz 
dBc/Hz 
dBc/Hz 
dBc/Hz 
dBc/Hz 
VCO noise in open-loop conditions 
100 kHz offset from 3.4 GHz carrier 
800 kHz offset from 3.4 GHz carrier 
1 MHz offset from 3.4 GHz carrier 
10 MHz offset from 3.4 GHz carrier 
100 kHz offset from 5.0 GHz carrier 
800 kHz offset from 5.0 GHz carrier 
1 MHz offset from 5.0 GHz carrier 
10 MHz offset from 5.0 GHz carrier 
100 kHz offset from 6.8 GHz carrier 
800 kHz offset from 6.8 GHz carrier 
1 MHz offset from 6.8 GHz carrier 
10 MHz offset from 6.8 GHz carrier 
ADF5355 
Parameter 
VCO 2× Phase Noise Performance 
Symbol  Min 
Typ 
Max 
Unit 
−110 
−130 
−132 
−149 
−107 
−127 
−129 
−147 
−103 
−124 
−126 
−144 
−221 
−223 
−116 
150 
−80 
dBc/Hz 
dBc/Hz 
dBc/Hz 
dBc/Hz 
dBc/Hz 
dBc/Hz 
dBc/Hz 
dBc/Hz 
dBc/Hz 
dBc/Hz 
dBc/Hz 
dBc/Hz 
dBc/Hz 
dBc/Hz 
dBc/Hz 
fs 
dBc 
Normalized In-Band Phase Noise Floor 
Fractional Channel5 
Integer Channel6 
Normalized 1/f Noise, PN1_f
Integrated RMS Jitter 
Spurious Signals due to PFD Frequency 
7 
Data Sheet 
Test Conditions/Comments 
VCO noise in open-loop conditions 
100 kHz offset from 6.8 GHz carrier 
800 kHz offset from 6.8 GHz carrier 
1 MHz offset from 6.8 GHz carrier 
10 MHz offset from 6.8 GHz carrier 
100 kHz offset from 10 GHz carrier 
800 kHz offset from 10 GHz carrier 
1 MHz offset from 10 GHz carrier 
10 MHz offset from 10 GHz carrier 
100 kHz offset from 13.6 GHz carrier 
800 kHz offset from 13.6 GHz carrier 
1 MHz offset from 13.6 GHz carrier 
10 MHz offset from 13.6 GHz carrier 
10 kHz offset; normalized to 1 GHz 
1 VCP is the voltage at the CPOUT pin. 
2 IOL is the output low current.  
3 TA = 25°C; AVDD = DVDD = VRF = 3.3 V; VVCO = VP = 5.0 V; prescaler = 4/5; fREFIN = 122.88 MHz; fPFD = 61.44 MHz; and fRF = 1650 MHz.  
4 RF output power using the EV-ADF5355SD1Z evaluation board measured into a spectrum analyzer, with board and cable losses de-embedded. Unused RF output pins 
are terminated in 50 Ω. 
5 Use this value to calculate the phase noise for any application. To calculate in-band phase noise performance as seen at the VCO output, use the following formula:  
−221 + 10log(fPFD) + 20logN. The value given is the lowest noise mode for the fractional channel. 
6 Use this value to calculate the phase noise for any application. To calculate in-band phase noise performance as seen at the VCO output, use the following formula:  
−223 + 10log(fPFD) + 20logN. The value given is the lowest noise mode for the integer channel. 
7 The PLL phase noise is composed of 1/f (flicker) noise plus the normalized PLL noise floor. The formula for calculating the 1/f noise contribution at an RF frequency (fRF) 
and at a frequency offset (f) is given by PN = P1_f + 10log(10 kHz/f) + 20log(fRF/1 GHz). Both the normalized phase noise floor and flicker noise are modeled in the 
ADIsimPLL design tool.  
Rev. A | Page 6 of 38 
Data Sheet 
ADF5355
TIMING CHARACTERISTICS 
AVDD = DVDD =VRF = 3.3 V ± 5%, 4.75 V ≤ VP = VVCO ≤ 5.25 V, AGND = CPGND = AGNDVCO = SDGND = AGNDRF = 0 V, RSET = 5.1 kΩ, dBm referred 
to 50 Ω, TA = TMIN to TMAX, unless otherwise noted. 
Unit
ns min 
ns min 
ns min 
ns min 
ns min 
ns min 
ns min 
Table 2. Write Timing  
Parameter
t1 
t2 
t3 
t4 
t5 
t6 
t7 
Limit
20 
10 
10 
25 
25 
10 
20 
Write Timing Diagram 
CLK
t2
t3
Description
LE setup time 
DATA to CLK setup time 
DATA to CLK hold time 
CLK high duration 
CLK low duration 
CLK to LE setup time 
LE pulse width 
t4
t5
DATA
DB31 (MSB)
DB30
DB3
(CONTROL BIT C4)
DB2
(CONTROL BIT C3)
DB1
(CONTROL BIT C2)
DB0 (LSB)
(CONTROL BIT C1)
LE
t1
Figure 2. Write Timing Diagram 
t7
t6
2
0
0
-
4
1
7
2
1
Rev. A | Page 7 of 38 
Data Sheet 
Stresses at or above those listed under Absolute Maximum 
Ratings may cause permanent damage to the product. This is a 
stress rating only; functional operation of the product at these 
or any other conditions above those indicated in the operational 
section of this specification is not implied. Operation beyond 
the maximum operating conditions for extended periods may 
affect product reliability. 
The ADF5355 is a high performance RF integrated circuit with 
an ESD rating of 2.5 kV and is ESD sensitive. Take proper 
precautions for handling and assembly. 
TRANSISTOR COUNT 
The transistor count for the ADF5355 is 103,665 (CMOS) and 
3214 (bipolar). 
ESD CAUTION 
ADF5355 
ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS 
TA = 25°C, unless otherwise noted. 
Table 3. 
Parameter 
VRF, DVDD, AVDD to GND1 
AVDD to DVDD 
VP, VVCO to GND1 
VP, VVCO to AVDD 
CPOUT to GND1 
Digital Input/Output Voltage to GND1 
Analog Input/Output Voltage to GND1 
REFINA, REFINB to GND1 
REFINA to REFINB 
Operating Temperature Range 
Storage Temperature Range 
Maximum Junction Temperature 
θJA, Thermal Impedance Paddle 
Soldered to GND1 
Reflow Soldering 
Peak Temperature 
Time at Peak Temperature 
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) 
Charged Device Model 
Human Body Model 
Rating 
−0.3 V to +3.6 V 
−0.3 V to +0.3 V 
−0.3 V to +5.8 V 
−0.3 V to AVDD + 2.5 V 
−0.3 V to VP + 0.3 V 
−0.3 V to DVDD + 0.3 V 
−0.3 V to AVDD + 0.3 V 
−0.3 V to AVDD + 0.3 V 
±2.1 V 
−40°C to +85°C 
−65°C to +125°C 
150°C 
27.3°C/W 
260°C 
40 sec 
1000 V 
2500 V 
1 GND = AGND = SDGND = AGNDRF = AGNDVCO = CPGND = 0 V. 
Rev. A | Page 8 of 38