Pasternack voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs)

Pasternack has added a product line of voltage-controlled oscillators covering select bands from 10 MHz to 11 GHz in a variety of package options. The line is commonly deployed in applications such as phase locked loops, frequency synthesisers, electronic jamming equipment and function generators.

A VCO is a type of oscillator where the frequency of the output signal can be varied by adjusting the amplitude of the input tuning voltage. The performance characteristics play a critical role in overall system performance. VCOs have a range of frequencies, making them desirable for designers.

Pasternack’s portfolio of VCOs includes over 60 different models in true surface mount and coaxial packaged versions. Some models have added features which include integrated buffer amplifiers and input modulation ports. Tuning voltages can range from 0 to 20 V, output power ranges from 0 to 12.5 dBm and all models have an operational temperature range covering -40 to +85°C.

The VCOs have phase noise performance as low as -125 dBc/Hz at 10 KHz offset. All designs are designed to meet a series of MIL-STD-202 environmental test conditions, which include shock, vibration and temperature cycle.