CRO2400A-LF

Overview

The CRO2400A-LF is a surface mount voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) manufactured by Z-Communications, Inc., designed for the 2.4 GHz ISM band. It operates with a center frequency of 2400 MHz and a narrow tuning range of 2399 to 2401 MHz. The device delivers a typical output power of +4 dBm ±2 dBm and exhibits a second harmonic suppression of -12 dBc. It requires a nominal supply voltage of 5 V and accepts a tuning voltage input between 0.1 V and 16 V. The module utilizes a microstrip topology and is housed in a compact package suitable for space-constrained RF applications.

Feature Summary

• Surface mount construction for automated assembly
• Narrowband tuning capability centered at 2.4 GHz
• Integrated microstrip resonator design

Applications

• Wireless LAN (WLAN) transmitters
• Bluetooth base station modules
• ISM band signal generation

Procurement Notes

Verify that the specific order suffix matches the required pinout and tolerance specifications, as variations may exist within the product family. Confirm that the supply voltage requirements align with the system's 5 V rail before integration. Ensure proper grounding techniques are applied during installation to maintain phase noise performance and stability. Review the manufacturer's application notes regarding soldering profiles to prevent thermal damage to the internal components.

Selection Notes

Select this component when a fixed-center frequency VCO with minimal tuning range is required for cost-sensitive designs. The narrow bandwidth simplifies loop filter design in PLL systems compared to octave-tuning alternatives. Consider the output power level to determine if additional amplification is necessary for the target application. Evaluate the physical dimensions against the available PCB real estate constraints.

Part Context

This part belongs to Z-Communications' CRO series of voltage-controlled oscillators, which are engineered for high-reliability RF applications. The series includes various models covering different frequency bands from 1 GHz to over 3 GHz. These components are typically used in communication systems requiring stable frequency sources with low phase noise characteristics.

Replacement Considerations

Direct substitutes include other 2.4 GHz VCOs from Z-Communications such as the CRO2400B-LF, provided the tuning range and pinout compatibility are verified. Cross-brand replacements require careful evaluation of phase noise, output power, and control voltage linearity to ensure system performance parity.