Harmonic balance analysis of pull-in range and oscillatory behavior of third-order type 2 analog PLLs

The most important design parameters of each phase-locked loop (PLL) are the local and global stability properties, and the pull-in range. To extend the pull-in range, engineers often use type 2 PLLs. However, the engineering design relies on approximations which prevent a full exploitation of the benefits of type 2 PLLs. Using an exact mathematical model and relying on a rigorous mathematical thinking this problem is revisited here and the stability and pull-in properties of the third-order type 2 analog PLLs are determined. Both the local and global stability conditions are derived. As a new idea, the harmonic balance method is used to derive the global stability conditions. That approach…