Performance of phase-locked loop frequency synthesiser using accumulative phase detector

The performance of phase-locked loop circuits is critically dependent on the phase detector design. The author considers the use of an unusual phase detector that is capable of linear operation over an arbitrarily wide operating range. This provides the benefits of analytically predictable transient behaviour, without cycle slipping, under all likely conditions of operation and with the prospect of improved acquisition speed. The behaviour of phase-locked loops incorporating such a design is demonstrated analytically and subsequently confirmed by experimental results