frequency sources

• API’s synthesizers offer wide bandwidth, multiple step size options,
  fast switching speed, and low phase noise combined with the cost advantages
  of standardized packages.
• Frequency control options include Serial/parallel inputs, BCD/Binary
  format, or traditional thumbwheel switches.

API Technologies’ experience with Phase Locked Oscillators covers a period
of 35 years. We have worked closely with Systems Engineers on some of the most
technically sophisticated programs in the country.

The PLO must be compatible with other components in the system and must not
only operate properly on the “bench” but must also operate properly within
complex systems.

API’s Line of Dielectric Resonator Oscillators (DROs) and Coaxial Resonator
Oscillators (CROs) are designed and built with both small size and low phase
noise in mind.

Packed full of standard features, our complete line of free running DRO
designs operate from 500 MHz to 21.5 GHz, with “modified standard” units
available in all frequencies from HF to Ku band.

API Technologies’ Series 95 Comb Generators use a Step Recovery Diode (SRD) to
generate very narrow voltage spikes; these in turn produce an output frequency
spectrum rich in harmonics.
The spacing between the signals is equal to the source that drives the SRD which
in most cases is a stable crystal oscillator.

API Technologies, a leading manufacturer of standard and custom SAW Oscillators,
combines low phase noise, excellent frequency stability and rugged construction in
a line-up of cost effective SAW Oscillator solutions.

API Technologies’ VCOs are high quality devices designed to serve both commercial and military requirements.
Using high performance varactor diodes and optimizing circuit design techniques, API’s engineering achieves
low phase noise and superior high selectivity performance.

Our custom designed DTOs consist of a select number of sub-band VCOs covering
customer specific frequency ranges between 2 GHz and 18 GHz.
Additional features include: low residual FM (<-20 dBc @ 100 kHz),
RF output power (+10 to +16 dBm), high reliability for military applications,
and fully-customizable output connectors.

API’s Digitally Controlled Crystal Oscillators (DCXO) combine the frequency
stability of a crystal oscillator source with the flexibility of direct digital
synthesis (DDS) in a temperature controlled housing to provide a highly accurate
output signal.

API Technologies incorporates an integral DDS synthesizer for low phase noise,
fine frequency resolution and fast nsec switching speed.

These lower cost surface-mount synthesizers are ideal for commercial applications
where cost is the leading performance driver.
They are also designed for low current consumption (25 mA) and employ a 3-wire
serial interface for microprocessor compatible frequency control.

API Technologies’ own line of low CL mixers allows multiple conversions
to the desired frequency with minimal Phase Noise degradation.

Multiple controller interface allows user to select the option that suits
their needs! Customer’s select from Serial, Parallel, BCD, RS-232, RS-422, GPIO,
Ethernet, USB, and microprocessor control.

Custom synthesizers feature rugged construction and the latest circuit
techniques which makes them suitable for either military or commercial applications.

For Superior Phase Noise Performance, API Technologies engineers integrate
both a doubler and a x4 multiplier, optimizing the 100 MHz reference signal.

An integral voltage regulator is incorporated to ensure
Superior Phase Noise Performance and Reduced Spurious Signals.
Phase Lock Indicator output is also provided for built-in test or error detection.

Isolators are also incorporated for enhanced performance.
The internal oscillator is isolated from the phase lock circuitry for
improved spurious performance.

Our PLOs feature internal crystal frequency monitoring for precision tuning
and ideal reference performance. We frequently integrate low-loss Isolators for
improved pulling and added isolation from effects bad load VSWR.

Includes screened high performance voltage tuned varactor diodes for tuning repeatability, long term stability and predictable phase noise.

Features custom thin film microstrip boards for improved noise performance.

Metallized PC backplanes are used for improved grounding and superior stability.

Our custom designed and tuned filters and mixers significantly outperform
off-the-shelf components and contribute to our optimized full system performance.

With resident thin film hybrid, oscillator, and amplifier design and fabrication
support, API Technologies is able to design complete solutions for demanding requirements.

Our exceptional Low Phase Noise performance offers you: better receiver sensitivity,
improved sub-clutter visibility, enhanced system noise floor, and a lower bit error rate.

Optional output filtering is provided to insure a clean signal with optimum
combs within the acquired band of interest.

For improved phase noise & stability, an internal OCXO is an option.

The output can be the full comb spectrum, filtered to select certain combs,
or we can add a switched filter bank to select the output band of your choice.

For improved noise & stability, we can phase lock to an external frequency source.

The spacing between the comblines is equal to the frequency of the source that drives the SRD.

That source can be internal or external, crystal oscillator/VCO/CRO, fixed or voltage tuned,
free running or phase locked, and many other combinations.

• Three types of SAW Oscillators:
  • Fixed Frequency
  • Voltage Controlled (VCO)
  • Phase Locked (PLO)
• Low Phase Noise Performance to -124 dBc/Hz at 1 kHz offset
• Superior Phase Jitter Less Than 1 psec (RMS)
• High Stability of Less Than 10 ppm/year
• On-board Micro-controllers to Maintain Signal Integrity
• Hermetically Sealed

Gold Substrate Film yields Lower Loss and enhances Phase Noise Performance.

Ceramic and Metal Construction provides Low Junction Temperatures, Higher MTBF, and Wider Temperature Operating Range.

For an added level of temperature stability, we add Thermistors on all
VCO designs.

We use Bipolar Transistors to achieve Low Phase Noise and High Output Power.

Screening to MIL-STD-883B is available.

We integrate a unique Low Pass Filter for Superior Harmonic Performance.

API Technologies offers a complete line of Digitally Tuned Oscillators (DTOs). These custom designed DTOs consist of a select number of sub-band VCOs covering customer specific frequency ranges between 2 GHz and 18 GHz.

The sub-band RF outputs are selectively switched to a common RF output port. Sufficient
sub-band overlap insures full band coverage for these DTOs.

Digital tuning is via a 16 bit, parallel input word. Several bits are used for selecting the desired sub-band and 12 to 14 bits are used for frequency tuning.

Silicon semiconductors are used to provide the best possible phase noise and post tuning drift performance.

API Technologies offers standard features including: fast settling time
(< 1 msec), wide frequency range (2-18 GHz), low post tuning drift (< 4 MHz @ 1 msec),
low spurious output (< -60 dBc), harmonics (-25 dBc max), as well as excellent
phase noise performance (<-65 dBc/Hz @ 100 kHz).

Additional features include: low residual FM (<-20 dBc @ 100 kHz), RF output power
(+10 to +16 dBm), high reliability for military applications, and fully-customizable output connectors.

API Technologies also supports the following optional DTO features:
power output status indicator, phase locked module with phase lock indicator,
internal heater for frequency stability over temperature, analog FM input.

Hybrid MIC technology reduces overall package size and helps ensure
overall system reliability. Fast settling time and excellent spectral
purity make API DTOs ideal for simulators and other EW applications.

• Output Frequency: 70 MHz
• Frequency Deviation: ± 140 KHz
• Frequency Increment: 4.2735 Hz
• Output Power: 9 ± 0.8 dBm
• Long Term Stability ± 1.5 x 10-6/yr.
• Phase Noise: >138 dB/10 KHz
• Isolation: =40 dB
• Spurious Levels: =84 dBc
• Mech Freq. Adjustment: ± 5 ppm min.
• Operating Temp. Range: -20° to 60°C

• Output Frequency: 85 MHz
• Frequency Deviation: ± 70 KHz
• Frequency Increment: 2.13675 Hz
• Output Power: 0 ± 0.8 dBm
• Long Term Stability ± 1.5 x 10-6/yr.
• Phase Noise: >138 dB/10 KHz
• Isolation: =40 dB
• Spurious Levels: =64 dBc
• Mech Freq. Adjustment: ± 5 ppm min.
• Operating Temp. Range: -20° to 60°C