Clock recovery in Spread Spectrum applications and BPSK modulated signals can be somewhat tricky. There are no commercial solutions available solely for this task either. Or are there? This article shows a great off-label use of the Abracon ABFT. Clock recovery in a Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) receiver can be quite a challenge. Because […]
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Search Results for: simple oscillator circuit
Review: Abracon ABFT Frequency Translators
In March, 2012, Abracon announced the production of ultra-low jitter, VCXO based frequency translators / jitter attenuators. This is supposed to resolve some problems that accompany classic PLL-based designs at an affordable price. Now, the ABFT frequency translators / jitter attenuators are available on the market and it’s time to have a closer look. The […]
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Repairing a MRC DAR Plus Receiver
This is another piece of industry story time. This time it’s about Vislink MRC DAR Plus receivers and transmitters. It shows that even highly integrated devices in the 1 each including shipping. After carefully replacing the MMIC on the PCB, I tested the IF module by applying a 70 MHz signal again. This time the […]
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Crystal controlled listening device
There are tons of circuits for listening devices available on the internet. For the most part, they all have in common that they are virtually useless. This article shows how to build a reliable, small and inexpensive listening device using a PLL clock multiplier and a standard crystal. Most audio listening devices, also called spy […]
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ICS501 – Integrated PLL Clock Multiplier
Before clock multiplier circuits existed, they had to be implemented with discrete parts. This took up quite a bit time in design and prototyping. Luckily the days are over and we can use integrated clock multipliers such as the LOCO™ PLL clock multiplier ICS501. I stumbled across a box of ICS501 PLL clock multipliers from […]
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Review: Abracon ABPSM-ULN-A – Precision Power Supply Module
When bench testing noise sensitive circuits, one needs an ultra clean power source. Low noise lab power supplies are usually bulky and expensive. Abracon challenges both the bulkiness and the expensiveness with their new low noise pocket sized ABPSM-ULN-A ultra low noise power supply module. With the ABPSM-ULN-A, Abracon intends to set a new standard […]
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Review: Abracon Sync’n Go – Portable Precision Frequency Reference
Most professional devices which require high accuracy and precision have an input for some sort of external frequency reference. The frequency 10 MHz is an industry standard particularly for test equipment. Most reference generators are designed for lab use and therefore are bulky and unsuitable for portable use. Abracon now offers a pocket-sized portable solution. […]
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Resuscitate Atmel AVR from CKSEL Fuse-Bit Death
The most common way to ‘kill’ a Atmel AVR microcontroller is by programming fuse bits wrong. Sooner or later every Atmel AVR enthusiast will stumble across a fuse-bit related problem. The most common mistake, a wrong clock source selection through the CKSEL fuse-bit, can be fixed easily. The fuse-bits CKSEL0 through CKSEL3 let the microcontroller […]
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C-Band DRO LNB Teardown
A low-noise block downconverter (LNB) is a key element in a satellite receiver system and is responsible for converting the relatively high frequency of the received signal into the more convenient L-Band. But how do they work and what do they look like on the inside? Let’s have a look! From a theoretical standpoint, a […]
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AOCJY1 series high stability OCXOs from Abracon
An Oven Controlled Crystal Oscillator (OCXO) is used wherever one needs a highly accurate and precise frequency reference. Abracon manufactures a series of affordable off-the-shelf OCXOs, which are due to their low price and outstanding performance particularly suitable for homebrew designs. Abracon’s AOCJY1 series offers various through-hole OCXOs with several possible frequencies between 10 MHz […]
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