FAQs about Continuous Wave Signals
Q1: How do I divide a 10 MHz-300 MHz sine wave by 2 and output a TTL square wave?
A1: The PRL-260BNT is an 8-bit manually programmable frequency divider that provides both NECL and TTL f/n outputs. The NECL input can accept an AC-coupled sinewave using our PRL-SC-104A DC Block.
Q2: How do I convert a sine wave into an ECL or TTL signal?
A2: For small-amplitude signals (as small as 10 mV p-p) use the PRL-350ECL. This a dual channel comparator with complementary ECL outputs. It is similar to the PRL-350TTL but can be driven beyond 1.8 GHz.
For larger signals (>200 mV p-p), most of our products with NECL or LVPECL inputs will also receive an AC-coupled sinewave. For example, to convert a sinewave to NECL, you can AC-couple into our PRL-430AN using our PRL-SC-104A DC Block. The following products will receive AC-coupled sinewave inputs:
- PRL-255N, NECL frequency divider
- PRL-430AN, NECL line drivers
- PRL-431AN, NECL 1:2 fanout buffers
- PRL-434A, NECL 1:4 fanout buffer
- PRL-434LP, LVPECL 1:4 fanout buffer
- PRL-450N, NECL to TTL translator
Q3: How do I convert a 160 MHz sine wave into a pair of 5 V square wave signals for driving 50 Ω loads?
A3: For small signals, use the complementary outputs of a PRL-350ECL to drive two Variable Output Line Drivers (PRL-470B). Each PRL-470A can deliver +5 V or -2.5 V into a 50 Ω load. For a 0 to 5 V output, the PRL-470 has a 1 ns rise time and can operate up to 250 MHz. An output polarity switch will reverse the phase error induced by driving the two line drivers with true and complement signals.
If the sinewave is more than 2 V p-p, then the PRL-350 is not necessary; instead use a DC block to AC couple the sine wave into a PRL-812, 6 dB splitter, and from there drive the NECL inputs of the two PRL-470A's.