Signal Generator using VCO-PLL

[diligence]

Hi,
I want to design a Rf signal generator for the Frequency range: 5GHz to 10 GHz.
I have chosen the following Ic's:
Hittite HMC587LC4B wide band VCO, which works from 5 GHz to 10 GHz.
PLL LMX2492 from Texas Instruments which is well within the frequency range.
I have designed a loop filter and also an op-amp to amplify the PLL output sufficient enough to drive the VCO Input.

I needed your suggestions , if any of you have made a similar design, in terms of the frequency range or using the IC's and the loop filters and the op-amps. I have this design in my mind but I am not sure if this can work if I put everything together in a PCB. I hold this doubt because I could not simulate the entire design on a particular circuit simulation software to check the functioning of my Vco-pll design. Please suggest if you have experience with a similar project/ design.
Thank you.

 

[conn_find]

hi diligence,

There are plenty of designs out there on web which suits for your purpose.

If you have a look at a reference design of a RF signal synthesizer, you should find what you need.

I've used this Analog devices ADF41020 evaluation board.(https://www.analog.com/en/evaluation/eval-adf41020/eb.html, look at the schematic at the end of this doc. : **broken link removed**) This works in a different freq. range. But, if you have a look at the signal generation section you'll find what you need. In this evaluation board, you can replace the USB interfacing part with any microcontroller or similar device to program the PLL with SPI commands.

Even if you have a look at hittite reference design of a PLL synthesizer, you can have an idea of the configuration.

I think it's very hard to simulate the whole design on a simulation software. Actually I think it's not possible. Someone, please correct me if I'm wrong.