This is  an injection locked PLL for use with the RX888 v2.  It is one that I think has some advantages over simple injection of an external clock. It provides  automatic switching between undisciplined/internal and disciplined/external reference operation,  can provide sub-ppb frequency accuracy and low spurious and spectral noise power density clocks forthe ADC. It has an advantage that even if there is an interrupted connection with an external disciplining source, perhaps because of a cable or a frequency change, the RX888 will NOT lose a clock which can cause a host SDR program to crash and require complete restart.  The automatic switching within this PLL will simply cause the free-running but settable frequency of its VCXO to be used until the break is restored.

It is in the form of an add-on PCB that can mount inside an RX888  as shown below.  It uses  a Type I PLL and replacement VCXO to replace the OEM one. 



For better  quick  viewing of the design, download the Source file from the Material List  below , unzip it and drop the .sch or .pcb file onto kicanvas from a web browser.

[Caution]    Many installations will require internal soldering probably  in an SMD environment.

This may beyond what many should choose to attempt !

In the RX888 it is possible to install it without any soldering but does require connecting a u.fl cable to the connector on the RX888 PCB. This itself may be difficult, u.fl connectors can be tricky. It receives 3.3V power from the 3 pin jumper/header inside the Rx888. The jumper is replaced with a connector that provides a single connection the Vcc on the new PCB.




Frequency trimming is provided by the potentiometer  on the PCB which sets unlocked/undisciplined operation close to 27.0000 MHz.  When an external 27 MHz reference signal of -15 to +15 dBm is injected at the SMA, the PLL "turns on" to phase lock the VCXO to the external reference frequency. The external input terminal is DC blocked andeven the shield can be completely isolated to greatly reduce common mode current. The selection of shield ground or isolation is done with a lock washer on the inside when the board is installed.  The SMA connections presents 50 ohm impedance to the driving external reference so that when normal 50 ohm coaxial cable is  used the shape of the reference signal is maintained.


Material List

What you will need to build this hardware


Item Description

Provider

Source Code

Notes

Approximate Material Cost

(excludes setup fees and shipping)

Assembled IPLL PCB

Download IPLL Kit Files

Download IPLL Source Files

Wait to build. Plan to seperate for different end uses....
US$15
u.fl cable for RX888 use Amazon
2" cables are available but make it difficult to slide PCB in/out

RX888 Rear Panel

Download Rear Panel Kit File


RX888 Rear Panel Source Files







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