Introduction: Phase LockLoop CD4046 1Mhz PLL (help Needed)
I am hopping to get some advice on is this is correct as I have never made a componet from skratch before!
I am trying to create a CD4046 Phase-Locked Loop (PLL) as it is essential in this circuit for phase detection and synchronization between the reference and received signals. It takes an input from the Teensy-generated reference signal (Pin 14 - SIGNALIN) and compares it with the received signal (Pin 3 - COMPARATORIN), output from the AD8260. The VCO output (Pin 4 - VCOOUT) tracks the input phase, generating a frequency-locked output. The phase difference is provided as an analog control voltage (Pin 2 - PHASECOMPOUT), filtered and digitized by the AD7357 ADC. The CD4046 operates at 3.3V or 5V, with external R1 and C1 setting its frequency range.
Step 1:
Key points
CD4046 PLL into Phase detector comparator sensor project with the Teensy 4.1, AD8260-EVALZ, and EVAL-AD7357EDZ, the design needs to focus on:
- Handling the signal characteristics from the Teensy (likely a digital PWM or signal generated in your DSP pipeline).
- Interfacing with the analog components, ensuring proper impedance matching and signal integrity.
- Optimizing for high-frequency signals and phase-sensitive detection since the system involves precision measurements.
Adjusted Circuit Design Components
1. Signal from the Teensy to CD4046
- The Teensy will generate a signal to feed into the Phase Comparator of the CD4046.
- If the signal is PWM or digital, a low-pass filter (RC or active) may be required to clean the input signal to avoid unwanted harmonics.
- If already a clean sinusoidal or periodic signal, you can directly connect the output to the Phase Comparator Input (pin 3).
2. Voltage-Controlled Oscillator (VCO) Configuration
- Set the VCO frequency range to match the system's operational frequency band:
- R1 and C1 determine the VCO's frequency range:
- R1=10 kΩ
- Fine-tune R1 and C1 based on the expected frequency from your sensor system.
3. Phase Comparator
- Select Phase Comparator I (pin 4) or Phase Comparator II (pin 5) based on your application:
- Phase Comparator I: Produces a digital output (good for simple systems).
- Phase Comparator II: Produces an analog error signal (preferred for precise phase adjustments).
- The signal from the Teensy connects to the input of the comparator.
4. Low-Pass Filter for the Loop Filter
- Design a loop filter to smooth the phase comparator's output:
- Basic RC filter with:
- R2=100 kΩR2
- C2=1 μFC2
- Time constant: τ=R2⋅C2
- Adjust τ for your desired lock-in speed versus stability trade-off.
- For noise-sensitive systems, add a second stage of filtering (C3).
5. AD8260-EVALZ and EVAL-AD7357EDZ Integration
- AD8260-EVALZ (Analog Signal Conditioning):
- Use the AD8260 to amplify and condition the output signal from the PLL's phase comparator or VCO.
- Set the gain and filtering stages for impedance matching between the PLL and ADC.
- Example: Add a low-pass filter to limit high-frequency noise before feeding into the ADC.
- EVAL-AD7357EDZ (ADC Module):
- Connect the conditioned PLL output to the ADC input.
- Ensure the ADC sampling rate matches the PLL's signal frequency.
6. Teensy 4.1 as the Control Unit
- Generate the reference signal to the CD4046.
- Read the digitized signal from the AD7357 via SPI.
- Implement DSP algorithms on the Teensy to adjust the PLL parameters dynamically if needed (feedback loop).
Key Considerations
- Signal Integrity:
- Use shielded cables and proper grounding to avoid noise.
- Add decoupling capacitors near the power supply pins of all ICs.
- Impedance Matching:
- Ensure proper impedance matching at all interfaces to prevent signal reflections or losses.
- Frequency Range:
- Verify that the frequencies from your sensor setup fall within the CD4046 VCO's operating range.
- Dynamic Adjustments:
- Program the Teensy to adjust the PLL loop filter parameters or VCO settings for dynamic conditions, if needed.

