Linear range extension of a phase-frequency-detector with saturated output

A phase frequency detector (PFD) with wide linear operating range and the ability to saturate beyond that range is presented in this paper. Its use in phase locked loops (PLLs) implies elimination of cycle slipping, which results in an analytically predictable transient behavior and a possible improvement in acquisition speed, depending on the PLL design. Simulation results confirm these advantages. Moreover, a detailed study on the applicability of this PFD is conducted in this paper