VCOs (Voltage Controlled Oscillators)

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
CVCO55CC-2140-2140 Crystek Corporation	VCO 2140MHZ 0.3-4.7V 12.7X12.7MM	5
CVCO55CL-0902-0928 Crystek Corporation	VCO 915MHZ 0.5-4.5V 12.7X12.7MM	10
CVCO55BE-1690-2062 Crystek Corporation	VCO 1876MHZ 0-5V 12.7X12.7MM	0
CVCO55CL-0470-0520 Crystek Corporation	VCO 495MHZ 0.3-4.7V 12.7X12.7MM	0
CVCO55CC-3500-3700 Crystek Corporation	VCO 3600MHZ 0.1-16V 12.7X12.7MM	0
CVCO55BH-3600-3800 Crystek Corporation	VCO 3700MHZ 0.5-4.5V 12.7X12.7MM	0
CVCO55BE-1930-2400 Crystek Corporation	VCO 2165MHZ 0.5-18V 12.7X12.7MM	0
CVCO55CC-2748-2956 Crystek Corporation	VCO 2852MHZ 0.5-4.5V 12.7X12.7MM	7
CVCO55BE-2060-2300 Crystek Corporation	VCO 2180MHZ 0.3-4.7V 12.7X12.7MM	0
CVCO55CC-2580-2860 Crystek Corporation	VCO 2720MHZ 0.5-16V 12.7X12.7MM	0
CVCO55CC-2380-2580 Crystek Corporation	VCO 2480MHZ 0.5-15V 12.7X12.7MM	5
CRBV55BE-1000-1500 Crystek Corporation	VCO 1250MHZ 0.5-4.5V 31.75X14.99	0
CVCO55CL-1165-1175 Crystek Corporation	VCO 1170MHZ 0.5-4.5V 12.7X12.7MM	0
CVCO55CC-2515-2530 Crystek Corporation	VCO 2522.5MHZ 0.3-4.7V 12.7X12.7	0
CVCO55CC-4124-4238 Crystek Corporation	VCO 4181MHZ 0.1-16V 12.7X12.7MM	0
RQRA-0200-LPH Raltron	VCO 200MHZ 12.7X12.7MM	25
CVCO55CC-2150-2150 Crystek Corporation	VCO 2150MHZ 0.3-4.7V 12.7X12.7MM	0
CVCO55BE-2200-2570 Crystek Corporation	VCO 2385MHZ 1-17V 12.7X12.7MM	0
CVCO55CC-2962-3388 Crystek Corporation	VCO 3175MHZ 0.1-16V 12.7X12.7MM	0
CVCO55BE-2270-2330 Crystek Corporation	VCO 2300MHZ 1-5V 12.7X12.7MM	0

VCOs (Voltage Controlled Oscillators)

1. Overview

Voltage Controlled Oscillators (VCOs) are electronic oscillators whose output frequency can be varied by an input voltage. As a critical component in phase-locked loops (PLLs), frequency synthesizers, and communication systems, VCOs enable precise frequency control and modulation. Their ability to convert voltage signals into corresponding frequency outputs makes them indispensable in modern wireless communication, radar systems, and signal processing equipment.

2. Main Types and Functional Classification

Type	Functional Characteristics	Application Examples
LC VCO	Uses inductor-capacitor (LC) tank circuits for frequency tuning. Wide tuning range but lower phase noise stability.	Wireless transceivers, FM modulators
Crystal VCO	Crystal-based reference with varactor diode tuning. High stability and moderate tuning range.	Test equipment, precision measurement devices
Dielectric Resonator VCO (DR VCO)	Uses ceramic resonators for high-Q performance at microwave frequencies.	Satellite communication, military radar systems
Ring VCO	Composed of cascaded delay cells. Wideband operation with compact IC integration.	Optical communication, clock recovery circuits
Digital Controlled VCO (DCO)	Digitally adjusted frequency steps with improved temperature stability.	5G infrastructure, IoT devices

3. Structure and Components

A typical VCO consists of:

Tunable resonant circuit (LC tank, crystal, or dielectric resonator)
Amplification stage (transistor or op-amp based)
Voltage-controlled reactance element (varactor diode or MEMS varactor)
Feedback network for sustained oscillation
Power supply decoupling and temperature compensation circuitry

Modern VCOs are packaged in surface-mount (SMD) or through-hole (DIP) formats, often integrating bias-T circuits and buffer amplifiers.

4. Key Technical Specifications

Parameter	Description
Frequency Range	Operational bandwidth (e.g., 800 MHz - 1.2 GHz)
Tuning Voltage Range	Control voltage range (typically 0-5V or 0-15V)
Phase Noise	Spectral purity measured in dBc/Hz (e.g., -100 dBc/Hz @ 10 kHz offset)
Tuning Linearity	Frequency vs voltage deviation (expressed as % error)
Temperature Stability	Frequency drift over temperature (ppm/ C)
Output Power	RMS power level (e.g., +10 dBm)

5. Application Fields

Telecommunications: 5G base stations, Software-Defined Radios (SDRs)
Test & Measurement: Signal generators, spectrum analyzers
Medical: MRI scanners, ultrasound Doppler systems
Automotive: Millimeter-wave radar, V2X communication
Industrial: Precision sensors, IoT gateway devices

6. Leading Manufacturers and Products

Manufacturer	Product Model	Key Features
Analog Devices	ADF4355	35 MHz - 4.4 GHz, fractional-N PLL integrated
Skyworks Solutions	Si550	MEMS-based, 10 MHz - 1 GHz, 20 ppm stability
Qorvo	DC2310	10 MHz - 6 GHz, low phase noise (-114 dBc/Hz)
STMicroelectronics	VCO1110	CMOS-compatible, 1 GHz - 2 GHz for Bluetooth applications

7. Selection Guidelines

Key considerations:

Required frequency range and tuning bandwidth
Phase noise requirements (critical for communication systems)
Temperature operating range (-40 C to +85 C for industrial)
Package size (SMD for compact PCB designs)
Power consumption (important for battery-operated devices)
Cost vs performance trade-offs

Example: For a 2.4 GHz ISM band transmitter, select a VCO with 2.4-2.5 GHz range, -100 dBc/Hz phase noise, and 3.3V power supply compatibility.

8. Industry Trends

Integration with PLL and frequency dividers in single-chip solutions
Development of mmWave VCOs (above 24 GHz) for 5G and automotive radar
Adoption of MEMS technology for improved stability and miniaturization
Emergence of digitally controlled architectures with on-chip calibration
Focus on low-phase noise and low-power designs for IoT applications