Direct Digital Synthesis (DDS) Applications in Industry and Medicine

Signal-generator network analysis: Many applications

Controls Waveforms in Test, in electronics today involve gathering and decoding data for
digital signal processing, analog measurements, fiber optics,
Measurement, and Communications and high-frequency communications.
This class of application involves stimulating a circuit or system
By Eva Murphy [eva.murphy@analog.com] with frequencies of known amplitude and phase, and analyzing the
Colm Slattery [colm.slattery@analog.com] characteristics of the response to provide key system information.
The “network under analysis” (Figure 1) can be anything from
In many kinds of equipment, it is important to produce and a length of cable to a measurement/sensor system. The typical
readily control accurate waveforms of various frequencies and requirement is to compare the response signal(s) to the input signal
profiles. Examples include agile frequency sources with low phase in phase, frequency, and amplitude.
noise and low spurious signal content for communications, and
AMPLITUDE
simply generated frequency stimuli for industrial and biomedical NETWORK SHIFT
UNDER
applications. In such applications, the ability to generate an ANALYSIS
adjustable waveform conveniently and cost effectively is a key FREQUENCY
SHIFT
design consideration.
Various approaches have been used, but the most flexible one is direct C L
digital synthesis1 (DDS). A DDS chip2, or direct digital synthesizer, V1
produces an analog waveform—usually a sine wave, but triangular PHASE
and square waves are inherent—by generating a time-varying signal R SHIFT

in digital form and then performing a digital-to-analog (D/A)

conversion. DDS devices are primarily digital, so they can offer V2

fast switching between output frequencies, fine frequency resolution,

and operation over a broad spectrum of frequencies. FREQUENCY NETWORK AND RESPONSE
INPUT RESPONSE SIGNAL
With advances in design and process technology, today’s DDS
devices are very compact and draw little power. Currently available Figure 1. Response testing.
DDS devices3 can generate frequencies from well below 1 Hz up to
400 MHz (based on a 1-GHz clock), with time resolution to 48 bits. Where a train of frequencies is needed for excitation, a DDS chip
The low cost of devices using new process technologies—combined is just right, since the stimulus frequency, phase, and amplitude
with DDS’s inherently excellent performance and the ability to can be software controlled with very tight resolution.
digitally (re)program the output waveform—make the DDS The system works by applying a signal having known frequency,
approach extremely attractive compared to more discrete and less amplitude, and phase to point V1 of the network (shown as a
flexible traditional solutions. Multichannel DDS devices, such passive circuit for the sake of simplicity) in Figure 2. The amplitude
as the 2-channel AD99584 and the 4-channel AD9959,5 allow and phase of the signal at point V2 will vary depending on the
independent programming of up to four inherently synchronized characteristics of the network. The time difference between the
outputs in space-constrained systems (e.g., phased-array radar/ signals V2 and V1 allows the user to calculate the phase shift, and
sonar, ATE, medical imaging, and optical communications). the change in magnitude will give the relative amplitude shift.
Our objective here is to provide the reader with an understanding Differences in their frequency spectra can provide a measure of
of a few important uses of DDS in existing applications, and to distortion. Knowing both the phase- and amplitude response of the
provide an insight into the key benefits the DDS device brings system under test, it is possible to calculate its transfer function.
to these—and other potential applications. At present, the two NETWORK THAT EXHIBITS
PHASE/AMPLITUDE SHIFT
principal forms of applications using DDS are waveform generation VDD
FILTER
in communications—and signal analysis in industry and biomedicine. STAGE
IOUT
Typical other uses include electronic article surveillance (EAS) and MCLK DDS
AD9834 V1
R C
maritime applications in sonobuoy systems. RL

Important applications exist in communications systems that require VREF

agile frequency sources with low phase noise and spurs, combining— C L
as DDS does—excellent frequency-tuning resolution and spectral VA1
AD7866
performance. Other typical DDS uses in communications include DUAL, 12-BIT,
DSP 1MSPS ADC
generating pilot signals for WDM optical-channel identification, V2
VB1 R
enhanced-tunability reference frequencies for phase-locked loops
(PLLs), as local oscillators, or even for direct transmission.
In the signal analysis category, many industrial and biomedical Figure 2. System block diagram.
designs use DDS to digitally generate programmable waveforms
with easily adjustable frequency and phase—without the need Typical frequencies used in these applications tend to be from
to change any external components, as is often the case with 0 kHz to 200 kHz, at the low end of the DDS frequency-handling
traditional waveform generators. Simple frequency adjustments range. For some applications a burst of one known frequency
can be used to locate resonances or compensate for temperature provides sufficient information; but for most it is required to sweep
drifts. A DDS can be used as a flexible frequency stimulus in a range of known frequencies across the network and analyze the
measuring sensor impedance, or to generate pulse-width-modulated phase/amplitude data for multiple frequencies. A single DDS chip
signals for microactuators, or to examine attenuation in LANs or provides the entire frequency generation function, giving the user
telephone cables. great flexibility in digitally controlling the frequencies required

Analog Dialogue 39-08, August (2005) http://www.analog.com/analogdialogue 1

for network control. With no external components required, the Two different PLL/DDS hybrid frequency synthesizers will be
user just needs the ability to write to the DDS through its SPI discussed here—a DDS providing a fine-tunable reference for a
interface. The output phase of the DDS is typically controllable PLL, and a PLL with the internal offset from the local-oscillator
with 10 -bit-to-14 -bit resolution, giving programmable phase (LO) frequency generated by a DDS.
resolution to <0.1 degrees. Fine-tunable reference for a PLL: Figure 3 shows a phase-locked-
In the system of Figure 2, the AD9834 DDS chip is used as the loop frequency synthesizer with the reference frequency generated
analog stimulus for the system. It is driven with a 50-MHz crystal by the filtered output of a DDS. By using a hybrid solution, the
oscillator. The frequency resolution of the AD9834 is 28 bits, which tuning resolution of the DDS can enhance the tunability of the
allows the frequency to be controlled to about 0.2 Hz. The DDS overall system to a level not possible with a PLL alone.
output amplitude is controlled by an external resistance to ground; In this example, the PLL consists of an integer-N ADF41067
and an external gain stage drives the network. frequency synthesizer, plus an external loop filter and VCO.
The output, loaded by resistor, RL, drives a low-pass RC filter, This configuration allows the designer to choose a VCO to meet
which band-limits the signal and filters out clock frequency, the frequency conditions and a loop filter to fit the needs of the
images, and higher frequencies. A buffer amplifier drives the application. The reference is generated by an AD98348 DDS,
network, represented here by an LRC circuit. The reference signal followed by a filter and optional matched divider, for reducing
is connected to Channel 1 of a two-channel, simultaneous-sampling noise and spurs.
ADC (such as the AD78666 12-bit, 1-MSPS, dual ADC); and the The DDS, with its 28-bit tuning word, allows the reference
response signal is applied to Channel 2 of the ADC. frequency to be very narrowly tuned, resulting in fine adjustment
A digital signal processor, used as a system controller, controls the of the output frequency much more conveniently than through the
DDS and the ADC sampling. The DSP handles the processing use of a fractional-N PLL.
requirements of the system with simple arithmetic, or by FFT, For example, if the VCO has a frequency range of 100 MHz to
DFT, or proprietary algorithms, and may also control any necessary 500 MHz, and the DDS output is in the neighborhood of 5 MHz,
amplitude- and phase calibration of the system. the range of N is from 20 to 100. Each step of N results in a 5-MHz
step of output frequency (100 MHz, 105 MHz, 110 MHz, etc.)
Other Applications
However, the AD9834’s output can be set in small increments by
A similar approach may be used in many other applications, with
simply adjusting the hexadecimal number written to the frequency
variations that depend on the physics and circuitry employed.
register. The AD9834 can be tuned in increments as small as
Examples include providing frequency sweeps for use in testing
0.2 Hz with a 50-MHz clock rate. This results in very fine
LVDTs (linear variable differential transformers); proximity sensing
tuning of the hybrid PLL/DDS.
using a capacitive sensor; metal detection using balanced coils; blood
measurement using a chemical sensor; flow measurement using Ideally the reference would have low phase noise and spurious
ultrasonic sensors; and electronic article surveillance (EAS)—to tones. The DDS output does indeed have low phase noise, but its
prevent shoplifting—using RF-responding tags. spurious content may need to be addressed at some frequencies.The
spurs are due to a truncation after the phase accumulator, which
DDS in Communications results in increased spurious content at particular sampling/output
Classically, when considering the design of a new frequency frequency combinations. These spurs may be minimized with
synthesizer, two basic approaches have been common: phase- additional filtering and a careful choice of sampling plan.
locked loops (PLL) and direct digital synthesis. The choice is not
If switching speed is unimportant, the PLL bandwidth can be
always clear-cut; often the designer must make trade-offs or
made extremely narrow to exclude reference spurs; then the phase
design additional circuitry to compensate for the weaknesses of
noise and spurs are limited to those of the VCO. If the VCO is
the chosen technique.
clean, this may be the simplest way to obtain a synthesizer with a
However, now that both PLL and DDS circuits are available as wide bandwidth, fine resolution, good spurious noise, small size,
low-cost components, it is becoming practical to consider designing and extremely low power, albeit with slow switching between
a hybrid circuit combining both techniques, thus eliminating the frequencies.
trade-offs. The designer can take advantage of both methods to To take advantage of the DDS’s fast switching ability, as well as its
obtain an overall solution that outperforms individual PLL or DDS high resolution, a wider PLL loop bandwidth is needed—making
designs. We will discuss approaches with the benefits of: the filter and the optional divider important for low noise and spurs.
• fine frequency resolution Note that the PLL increases the amplitude of the spurious tones,
• fast switching action but not their frequency offset from the reference. Thus the filter in
• fast settling time Figure 3 is necessary to confine the DDS-generated spurious tones
• wide bandwidth and noise to a narrow bandwidth. After frequency multiplication
• very low power by N, the noise and spurious tones will be increased by 20 log(N),
• low phase noise and spurious noise but only within the filter bandwidth. Ultimately, the selection of

fREF
AD9834 DIVIDER PHASE/ FOUT
COMPLETE FILTER FREQUENCY LOOP VCO
(OPTIONAL) FILTER
DDS DETECTOR

fOUT/N
/N
ADF41xx

Figure 3. DDS as reference-frequency generator for a PLL.

2 Analog Dialogue 39-08, August (2005)

the filter bandwidth and center frequency is a trade-off between This encoding scheme is easily implemented using a DDS.The DDS
switching speed, noise performance, and the need for continuous frequency tuning word representing the output frequencies changes
frequency coverage. in order to generate f0 and f1 in synchronism with the pattern of
PLL with the internal offset frequency generated by a DDS: 1s and 0s to be transmitted. The user programs the tuning words
Figure 4 shows a phase-locked-loop synthesizer with the internal corresponding to the chosen frequencies into the device before
offset frequency generated by a DDS. transmission. In the case of the AD9834, two frequency registers
are conveniently available for FSK encoding. A dedicated pin on
fREF the device (FSELECT) is used to select the frequency register
PHASE/ FOUT
FREQUENCY LOOP
FILTER VCO corresponding to the appropriate tuning word. The block diagram
DETECTOR
in Figure 6 demonstrates the implementation of FSK encoding.
NfREF
/N FILTER 1
DATA
0
ADF41xx
FILTER
TUNING
AD9834 WORD #1

MUX
FILTER COMPLETE DDS DAC FSK
DDS TUNING
WORD #2
PHASE-LOCKED LO

Figure 4. The AD9834 DDS generates the frequency CLOCK

offset for the ADF41xx PLL. Figure 6. A DDS-based FSK encoder.
This circuit uses a finely set DDS frequency to modulate a local PSK encoding: Phase-shift keying (PSK) is another simple form of
oscillator frequency, producing a sum/difference frequency which, data encoding. In PSK, while the frequency of the carrier remains
when filtered, modulates the reference frequency, producing an constant, the phase of the transmitted signal is varied to convey
output frequency, the information.
fOUT = Nf REF ± ( f LO ± fOFFSET ) There are various schemes that can be used to accomplish PSK. The
simplest method, using only two signal phases—0 and 180—is
This is similar to multiloop synthesizer design, except that the commonly known as binary PSK (BPSK). 0 corresponds to
fine-frequency-step PLL loops are replaced by a single DDS. The Logic 1, and 180 corresponds to Logic 0. The state of each bit
fine frequency resolution of the DDS in this hybrid synthesizer can received is determined according to the state of the preceding bit.
provide better frequency resolution than a PLL with many loops. If the phase of the wave does not change, the signal state stays the
The PLL provides the coarse steps and, as before, the PLL output same (low or high). If the phase of the wave reverses, i.e., changes
frequency (with the local oscillator) has the same basic resolution by 180, the signal state changes (from low to high, or from high
as the input reference frequency, fREF. The DDS provides fine steps to low).
between each of the coarse steps, so that the ultimate output step PSK encoding is easily implemented with DDS products. Most of
size is that of the DDS. Using an AD9834 with a 50-MHz master the devices have a separate input register (a phase register) that can
clock, a step size of 0.2 Hz is possible. be loaded with a phase value. This value is directly added to the
phase of the carrier without changing its frequency. Changing the
DDS in Data Encoding contents of this register modulates the phase of the carrier (thus
Because DDS devices make adjustment of frequency and phase an generating a PSK output signal). For applications that require
easy matter, they are especially useful in encoding data for phase- high-speed modulation, the AD9834 allows the preloaded phase
and frequency modulation onto a carrier. Here are two related registers to be selected using a dedicated input pin (PSELECT);
applications harking back to the early days of radiotelegraphy. toggling this pin modulates the carrier as required.
FSK encoding: Binary frequency-shift keying (FSK) is one of the Other phase angles may be used. More complex forms of PSK
simplest forms of data encoding. The data is transmitted by shifting employ four- or eight different phases. This allows binary data to
the frequency of a continuous carrier to one or the other of two be transmitted at a faster rate per phase change than is possible
discrete frequencies (a binary operation). One frequency (f1) is with BPSK modulation. For example, in four-phase modulation,
designated as the “mark” frequency (binary one) and the other (f0) as quadrature PSK (QPSK), the possible phase angles are 0, +90,
the “space” frequency (binary zero). Figure 5 shows the relationship –90, and 180; each phase shift can represent two data bits. The
between the data and the transmitted signal. AD9830,9 AD9831,10 AD9832,11 and AD983512 provide four
phase registers to allow complex phase-modulation schemes to
1 be implemented by continuously updating different phase offsets
to the registers.
DATA

Sonobuoy applications: DDS is usef ul in sonobuoy

0 TIME communications. A sonobuoy is a device that lies in the water
and captures ambient sounds in the ocean. Common applications
for sonobuoys are in the detection, localization, identification,
SIGNAL AMPLITUDE

and tracking of seismic events and underwater targets such as

submarines and whales. Arrays of sonobuoys can be used to
t
determine target position, velocity, and direction.
f0 f1 There are four main components to a sonobuoy: a float, a radio
MARK SPACE transceiver, a battery, and a hydrophone. The hydrophone is
an underwater sensor that converts sound pressure waves into
Figure 5. FSK modulation. electrical voltages that get amplified and sent up to the surface

Analog Dialogue 39-08, August (2005) 3

float. The radio signal is picked up by an antenna and a radio fiber. Different protocols can be mixed within the same link. At
receiver, usually on an aircraft or a ship. the receiving end, the light is separated into its components,
Active sonobuoys transmit sound waves, which bounce off objects. and demodulated.
The distance and direction to the object can be determined from Although all of the signals are transmitted at the same time, it is
the reflected signal. A transducer is used to introduce the acoustic desirable to identify from which channel a signal originated. One
wave into the water and to manipulate the return echoes, which are way to distinguish between channels is to add a pilot signal with
then amplified for VHF radio transmission. Passive sonobuoys do identifiable parameters (e.g. amplitude, frequency, phase, etc.) to
not emit any sound; they just sit and listen for incoming sounds. In each channel’s digital data. In optical transmitters the pilot signal
both cases the data is transmitted back to a ship or aircraft, often is added by varying the current flowing through the laser diode.
using spread-spectrum communications, in which the frequencies Figure 9 shows how this is done.
are rapidly hopped about so as to resemble random noise. A DDS
is often used to provide the frequency hopping in the transmit and REF CLOCK
20MHz
receive sections. 10kHz to 1MHz
0.125mA to 2mA
IOUT LP IDTONE
The AD9834 is ideal as an agile frequency source in the transmitter FILTER
AD9834 50
section of the sonobuoy (Figure 7). Typical frequencies transmitted
are from 136 MHz to 174 MHz. RSET

~136MHz to 174MHz
50 ADN2847
500

AD9834
COMPLETE BP
FILTER AMP
DDS CONTROLLER IMMON

PLL

Figure 7. DDS in transmit section of sonobuoy. 1300 500

A block diagram of a typical receiver, for GPS position location,

Figure 9. DDS in an optical-fiber communications application.
is shown in Figure 8.
The ADN2847 laser-diode driver operates at any rate between
RF/IF CORRELATORS CPU
50 Mbps and 3.3 Gbps. An external sink current at IDTONE,
supplied for fiber identification in WDM, modulates the optical-
one level over a possible range of 2% of minimum Imod to 10% of
maximum Imod. The AD9834 generates the modulation waveform
AD9834
COMPLETE
and controls the current sinking out of IDTONE by controlling
DDS the voltage across a 500-ohm resistor. A dc current on IMMON,
reflecting the modulation current, is used in a feedback loop to
Figure 8. DDS in receive section of sonobuoy. control the AD9834 output level via its RSET pin.
The receive portion of the sonobuoy consists of a GPS antenna, CONCLUSION
low-noise amplifier, and down-conversion front-end stage. The Direct digital synthesis, which generates analog waveforms
down-conversion is driven by the DDS. The signal from the with digitally adjustable high-resolution phase and frequency, is
front end is sampled and digitized, and the resulting data stream useful in a wide variety of applications in test, measurement, and
(which contains the spread-spectrum data of all GPS satellites in communications. Integrated-circuit DDS devices are compact,
range of the antenna) is passed to correlators for spread-spectrum require little power and space, are low in cost, and easy to apply. b
processing. The output of the correlation process is converted by
the CPU to provide the sonobuoy’s coordinates. REFERENCES—VALID AS OF AUGUST 2005
1
The DDS offers advantages for both the transmitter and receiver, http://www.analog.com/library/analogDialogue/archives/38-08/
because of its fine-tuning capabilities. The low power (25 mW) and dds.html
2
low cost of the AD9833/AD9834 make them an ideal solution for http://www.analog.com/library/analogDialogue/archives/30-3/
battery-powered, disposable applications, such as in sonobuoys. single_chip.html
3
http://www.analog.com/en/subCat/0,2879,770_843_0__0_,00.html
Fiber optic channel identification: Communication using light 4
ADI website: www.analog.com (Search) AD9958 (Go)
waves over fiber optic cables has greatly increased bandwidth 5
ADI website: www.analog.com (Search) AD9959 (Go)
and capacity over that available with copper-core technology. 6
ADI website: www.analog.com (Search) AD7866 (Go)
Capacity is increased further by using the multiple channels 7
ADI website: www.analog.com (Search) ADF4106 (Go)
that wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) can make available 8
ADI website: www.analog.com (Search) AD9834 (Go)
at relatively low cost. 9
ADI website: www.analog.com (Search) AD9830 (Go)
10
WDM involves combining separate light wavelengths (colors) from ADI website: www.analog.com (Search) AD9831 (Go)
11
the various simultaneous input data streams, and transmitting the ADI website: www.analog.com (Search) AD9832 (Go)
12
sum of these channels (“white” light) through a single optical ADI website: www.analog.com (Search) AD9835 (Go)

4 Analog Dialogue 39-08, August (2005)