An Arduino Nano is used to set ADF4351 Registers to determine the Synthesizers output frequency.
The ard4adf.ino file is licensed under the terms of GNU General Public License version 3 or later.
For KiCAD the footprint and library modules of the voltage-regulator chips are found on the net with unknown licenses, so they are not included here. Files in the kicad directory are 'Open Source' under the terms of the definition for Open Source Hardware Association.
http://www.oshwa.org/definition/
Host (DK2KA) build various Synthesizer solutions – based on handwired hardware PoC for GHz Beacons, AO 100 and 10 GHz EME HAM Radio Devices – Arduino Sketches included. Wolf (DF7KB) suggested modifications to ease assembling the PCBs, especially to create a backpack solution that fits exactly onto the Synthesizer breakout board.
A solution to select a variety of frequencies from the Synthesizer has been added. Aim was to generate Local Oscillator frequencies for Transverters, synchronizing them with GPS and therefore preparing the HAM Equipment for frequency accuracy and weak signal operations.
The Sketch was transformed into an „easyly readable code“ to allow adaptations on the fly.
Finally the ADF4351 evaluation board was extended with the Arduino NANO Hardware to create a handy solution to set the synthezisers registers. At the same time debugging elements have been added.
The ard4adf.ino can be compiled and loaded into an Arduino-Nano.
For testing just use the serial monitor of ardunio-IDE, if the line
//#define DEBUG_VIA_SERIAL
is uncommented at compile time.
Another useful debugging feature is implented by using the led on the arduino board. Repeating one second led-on mean the LE pin is low, so ADF4351 is signaling PLL sync is lost. Short flickers should be counted after a three second pause, the number indicates the jumpers reading and so you can easily read the frequency on ADF4351 outputs (in a binary way).
There are 3 jumpers read as 3 bits, so its 0 .. 7, 8 possible settings. Jumper set means bit is set to low. Jumper not set means bit is set to high.
1 flicker and 3 sec pause <==> jumpers are evaluated to 0.
2 flickers and 3 sec pause <==> jumpers are evaluated to 1
...
8 flickers and 3 sec pause <==> jumper s are evaluated to 7
The flickering is always on.
The KiCAD schema and PCB-layout may be found in the directory kicad. ADM7150ARDZ-3.3 and ADM7150ARDZ-5.0 are voltage regulators used to achieve low noise power supplies on the arduino and the ADF4351 chips. The board may be powered with some 6 to 7 V DC. It is assembled in a mixture of conventional and SMD parts.
Have fun!