EasyPLL - Online Phase Locked Loop Circuit Simulation

EasyPLL is an online electrical simulation tool that provides immediate access to accurate performance information of National's components via the Internet. EasyPLL allows the design engineer to combine National Semiconductor's PLL components with a VCO and loop filter to give a complete solution. EasyPLL supports two active filter topologies, so National's operational amplifiers have been added for a complete solution.  These tools are web enabled with schematic viewers and waveform graphers so that you can have access to high speed sophisticated simulation from any Web browser.

To use EasyPLL, first create a phase locked loop design in WEBENCH. Click here to create a PLL circuit.

To begin, specify the output frequency range and the comparison frequency according to your application requirements. Select either passive or active filter (Type A or B) and select either integer or fractional PLL circuits. For your convenience a schematic of a PLL circuit is featured throughout your design process. Once you have entered your frequency specifications, you can choose your PLL, VCO, and Op Amp (for an active filter) from a list of recommended parts. Your analysis will be based on the part(s) you select. If you select a dual PLL, you will enter your frequency specifications for the RF side and optional AUX side. There is also a help feature available with each parameter that provides definitions and intelligent assistance to determine the appropriate values.

To continue, you must register on National Semiconductor's web site (if not already registered). The next step is to specify the Loop Filter parameters, which include your desired Phase Margin, Loop Bandwidth, T3/T1 Ratio and T4/T3 Ratio in the case of a fourth order filter. Each filter parameter can be set with different tolerances. You may also choose to specify advanced settings, such as the Filter Order or Allow 2 Parallel Capacitors for Standard Value of C2. The design of your PLL is now complete. The next section lists the PLL, VCO, Op Amp (if you selected active filter), and the component values for your Loop Filter. You may change any of the specifications to alter your design.

Finally, you can analyze your design. Analyses include Loop Filter Characteristics, Spur Estimates, Bode Plots/Filter Analysis, and a Locktime Plot. Your analysis can be performed using either standard component or ideal component values. See below for examples of a Bode Plot and Locktime Plot for the LMX2326, 2.8 GHz Low Power Single PLL. You can change the component values and perform simulations until you optimize your design, saving bench testing time and getting a better quality design much faster.

For detailed instructions on how to use the EasyPLL simulator, view the online manual Using EasyPLL..

See Our Disclaimer

EasyPLL is best viewed on Internet Explorer 6.0 or Netscape Communicator 7.1 browsers. EasyPLL requires use of Windows 95/98/2000/NT/ME/XP. 

Since EasyPLL makes extensive use of the Javascript language, the latest available browser version is suggested for best compatibility.

EasyPLL is NOT compatible with the Macintosh operating system.