Z-Communications, Inc. has readied a high-performance, voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO), labled V418ME03, for portable radio applications. Offering ultra-low noise performance, the V418ME03 is engineered to deliver unparalleled SSB phase noise while drawing little current. The V418ME03 covers the frequency range of 390-406 MHz within 0.5-4.5 VDC tuning range, making it suitable for quick integration into PLLs where the error voltage can be taken directly from the IC's charge pump circuitry. This compact VCO exhibits a spectral purity of -119 dBc/Hz, typically, at 10 kHz from the carrier while preserving precious battery life. Typically, the V418ME03 consumes only 14 mA, while operating from a 4.7 VDC supply.

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Other features include 1.1:1 linearity over frequency and temperature, suppression of harmonic levels to better than -14 dBc, and an average tuning gain of only 6 MHz/V across the frequency band. The V418ME03 is designed over the commercial temperature range of -30 to 70°C. Also, despite its minimal power requirements, this low-noise oscillator still provides the end user nominally 0±3 dBm of output power into a 50 W load. The VCO further optimizes any PLL through its output frequency stability with respect to supply voltage variations and output loading variations. This innovative VCO pushes less than 1 MHz/V within a 5 percent change of the supply voltage while pulling less than 1 MHz with a 14 dB return loss, any phase.

The V418ME03 comes in a low-profile MINI surface-mount package measuring 0.50 inch x 0.50 inch x 0.13 inch. This robust device is suitable for automated surface-mount assembly and reflow, and it is available in tape-and-reel packaging for production requirements.