What is the difference between synthesizer and PLL?

[Kfactor]

Synthesizer

Hi,
Can anybody please tell me what is the difference between
synthesizer and PLL?

What is the function of Synthesizer? How is it different form up/down
converter?

And also like to know where can I read up on Synthesizers?

thank you very much,

 

[khouly]

Re: Synthesizer

hi

the PLL is a phase locked loop , it has many application and many configrations , it may used in demodulation of FM and FSK or it can be used in clock and data recovery circuits
it consists of 1) phase detector
2) loop filter
3) VCO
and may contain a divider


the frequency Synthesizer is a circuit the synthesize a freuency and it has many types
1) direct digital
2) PLL based and this type have 2 sub types a) integer in PLL and b) fractional N
and both depends on constant reffernce frequency and a divider which can be varied to get the desired out put frequency

 

[uncle_urfi]

Re: Synthesizer

PLL= Phase Locked Loop

It has many uses. e.g.

It can be used as a frequency synthesizer.
It can be used as a code synchronizer.
It can be used as a data recovery building block.

For more information, you can goto www.national.com and search for Frequency Synthesizer chips. Also find and try their 'easypll' program from the search line.