BUC PLL Unlock: How to Fix Power Supply Ripple and Maintain Stable Lock
A BUC loses its lock, and your entire Satcom link goes down. You’ve checked the reference signal, but the problem persists. The real cause might be hiding in plain sight. PLL unlock issues in BUCs are often caused by excessive power supply ripple, not just an unstable reference signal.1 To fix this, focus on your BUC’s power circuit. Proper filtering, separate grounds, and linear regulators are essential for a stable lock and reliable performance. I remember a case a few years ago that perfectly illustrates this. We had a client with a BUC that kept losing its lock intermittently. They were convinced it was a faulty reference source. After hours […]
Why Your BUC Power Readings Are Lie: Preventing Spectrum Analyzer Mixer Overload and VNA Calibration
Getting inaccurate BUC power readings? These errors can mess up your link budget and performance assessments. Follow these tips to ensure your spectrum analyzer gives you the right numbers. To accurately measure BUC output power, first connect a high-power external attenuator to protect your equipment. Then, use a calibrated spectrum analyzer and avoid overloading its input mixer. You can verify accuracy by adjusting the analyzer’s internal attenuator and checking for changes in the measured power. I’ve spent countless hours in the lab, and I’ve seen how a seemingly small measurement error can cause big headaches down the line. It’s not just about protecting expensive gear; it’s about trusting the data […]
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